Independence Blue Cross will extend its "no-pay copay" program for generic prescription drugs until the end of 2007 and in 2008 will begin adding the feature to some of its health plans, the Philadelphia Inquirer reports. The "unusually extensive" program allows 1.2 million of Blue Cross' 3.2 million beneficiaries to receive generic drugs at no cost, according to the Inquirer. Paul Urick, vice president of pharmacy services for Blue Cross, said the insurer began promoting the use of generic drugs to encourage beneficiaries to talk about alternative drugs with their physicians; lower costs for patients with chronic conditions; and counteract direct-to-consumer advertising by brand-name drug companies. Urick said saving money was not the primary objective behind the extension, adding that the company has no specific goals for use of generics. Currently, 54% of the company's prescriptions are generic drugs (Burling, Philadelphia Inquirer, 3/22).