County introduces prescription discount program

The Pinal County Board of Supervisors has launched a discount card program to help consumers cope with the high price of prescription drugs.

The county is making the free prescription drug discount cards available under a program sponsored by the National Association of Counties. The card offers an average savings of 20 percent off the retail price of commonly prescribed drugs.

The cards, which became available July 1, may be used by all county residents, regardless of age, income or existing health coverage. An estimated 59 percent of the county’s pharmacies will accept the discount card, and a national network of more than 57,000 participating retail pharmacies also will honor it.

“This will be a tangible benefit to all Pinal County residents,” said Chairman David Snider. “The … prescription discount card will offer significant savings for the uninsured and under-insured residents of our county. Even those fortunate to have prescription coverage may use the card to save money on drugs that are not covered by their health plan. Residents do not have to be Medicare beneficiaries to be eligible for this program.”

Chairman Snider added that the discount card can also be used for pet medications that are filled at regular pharmacies.

There will be no cost to county taxpayers for Pinal County or the card issuer to make these money-saving cards available to residents.

“One of the best things about the discount card program is the ease of using it,” said District 2 Supervisor Sandie Smith. “A cardholder will simply present it at a participating pharmacy. There is no enrollment form, no membership fee and no restrictions or limits on frequency of use. Cardholders and their family members may use the card any time their prescriptions are not covered by insurance.”

District 1 Supervisor Lionel Ruiz added that the savings will help those who are most vulnerable to the high cost of medications.

“This card will offer up an average savings of 20 percent off the retail price,” Supervisor Ruiz said. “I hope this card will help those who sometimes have to decide on buying food or their needed medications. People should take advantage of the savings this card will offer.”

The discount card program is administered by Caremark Rx, Inc.

For answers to Frequently Asked Questions, click here.

For a list of locations where you can get a card click here.

Image courtesy of Pinal County