The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services says that generic drugs accounted for 60% of the prescriptions dispensed to people who receive benefits through either Part D or Medicare Advantage plans for the first three quarters of 2006. Generic drug use among Part D enrollees is 13% higher than it is for Americans who receive benefits through private payers, said the CMS. The agency said that in 2006, generics accounted for 53% of prescriptions dispensed to privately insured Americans. Greater use of generics will translate into lower costs for the Part D program and possibly expanded coverage for beneficiaries, according to the CMS. “We will continue to promote generics where they are available as an important strategy to keep the new drug benefit affordable over the long term,” CMS Acting Administrator Leslie V. Norwalk said in a statement.