Replacing name-brand meds with generic equivalents has been long been hailed as an effective strategy to keep costs in check– until recently. 

The tactic, also know as “step therapy,” may actually end up causing more pain than relief in the long run, according to recent study.

Here’s why: Often times, workers will get a prescriptions for generic drugs only to find that the generic drug isn’t covered and/or it costs more than expected. In many of these cases, people will  leave medically necessary prescriptions unfilled. The result: A greater number of trips to the doctor for these staffers — at your expense.

As for the workers that get these uncovered scripts filled? They’re paying $99 more each quarter than employees who don’t use “step therapy” — not exactly the best way to boost benefits satisfaction among staffers.

To prevent these problems, experts suggest making sure your plan’s doctors and physicians understand all step-therapy requirements, so you and your employees aren’t shocked by any unexpected — and costly — developments down the line.