The cost of the plan would be borne by the drug manufacturers for name-brand drugs and by the government for generics.

They have drug insurance, which requires only a $10 co-payment for name-brand drugs and $5 for generics.

"That's why we do not have the newer, more expensive conversions" - generic versions of name-brand drugs.

Sort of how companies can make generic brands of name-brand drugs for a fraction of the cost.

And as long as a name-brand drug still has patent protection it faces no price competition from generics.

Prescription assistance programs could also help you afford name-brand drugs.

The programs are often multitiered, with name-brand drugs costing more.

Consumer-driven accounts can be good for people who have time to research generic alternatives to name-brand drugs, or challenge doctors about possible incorrect charges.

RxList offers detailed information about pharmaceutical information on generic and name-brand drugs.

Also, more than your doctor, your pharmacist is the one who actually chooses a generic replacement for a name-brand drug.