DISCOUNT
CARDS & FREE DRUG PROGRAMS
General Information
Discount cards, with names like
Together Rx, Pfizer for Living Share Card or GE Wellness Plan, are proliferating
like rabbits. The cards help the average uninsured drug buyer get small-to-moderate
discounts at local drugstores or via mail order.
There are a large number of programs —
more than we can compare here — offering different deals on different
drugs. Some charge fees, some are free. Some have eligibility requirements,
some dont. Theres a range of covered drugs, member pharmacies and
mail order options. Some programs also offer discounts on services such
as vision and dental care.
Discount cards are sponsored by a variety
of organizations, including senior associations, drug companies and
other private companies. Some pharmacies have their own cards, and 25
states now offer discount programs to seniors and low-income residents.
Some drug manufacturers discount cards offer low-income individuals
making up to $18,000 a year and couples making up to $24,000 a $12 to
$15 flat-rate price on certain drugs.
Card programs often trumpet savings "up
to 50 percent" but that doesnt mean theyll save you a ton of
money. The deeper discounts tend to be on lower-priced generics; 50
percent off $10 is only a $5 saving.
Patient Assistance Programs (PAPs) are pharmaceutical manufacturers programs that provide free drugs to
patients who meet stringent low-income guidelines. Each program has
different requirements and application procedures. See "Discount
Resources" for more information.
Warnings and Guidelines
- Use discount cards mail order option
for slightly more savings.
- Make sure a card program covers your
specific drugs at available pharmacies before paying any fees.
- Maximize savings by using several
cards at different pharmacies.
- Some companies charge a fee to help
you find and get approved for PAPs. Although this makes it quicker
and easier, its possible to do your own research and apply directly
for free.
Discount Resources
- Volunteers in Health Care has a packet
of consumer information called "Are You Looking for Affordable
Medications?" that gives a basic description and contact info
for a variety of discount card and PAP programs. Go to www.rxassist.org and click on "patients," or call (877) 844-8442. Click on
"drug discount cards" under "providers" to see
the "Comparative Chart of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Drug
Discount Cards," or phone for a copy.
- RxHope helps you find out if you qualify
for a PAP or other federal, state and charitable prescription drug
program and offers free application help. Go to www.RxHope.com or call (908) 850-8004.
- Prescription Benefits —
A Consumers Guide to Free and Discount Prescription Drugs,
by Harry P. Thal (Benefits Publications, August 2002, 184 pages),
costs about $25 for information on a wide variety of discounts. (Your
local library, health department or agency on aging might have a copy.)
SPOTLIGHT
The Nonprofit Warehouse Prescription
Drug Discount Program is really easy to use. Just print out
the card on this page and start using it. There are no age
or income requirements and no fee.
The card, which also offers
discounts on vision and dental products, is good at 45,000
pharmacies and has a mail order and online option once the
card is activated. The card saves up to 50 percent on generics
and 15 percent on brand names, but the discount is taken off
the manufacturers suggested retail price. If a pharmacy is
selling the drug at lower than the suggested price, then the
card wont save you any money.
Les Wilson started the company
four years ago after a career in marketing. The goal of the
organization, which also provides other services, is to bring
low-cost goods and services to nonprofits and the people they
serve. For more information, go to www.nonprofitwarehouse.com or call (770) 541-7777.
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