Insurers cutting back on drug coupons amid concerns over consumer costs

CHICAGO – With many drug prices rising, consumers often pull out coupons or discount cards from drugmakers to save money.

But some insurers are limiting how those discounts may be applied amid concerns they're driving up health care costs.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois told its members with individual plans this year they can still take advantage of the discounts, but they won't get credit toward their deductibles or out-of-pocket maximums. Cigna only allows coupons to be used for ­specialty drugs.

UnitedHealthcare and Aetna declined to comment.

A number of experts and advocates for lower drug prices applaud any actions aimed at stemming the use of copay cards and coupons.