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Drug Discount Program Saves Residents More Than $130,000
First available in July 2009, Calvert County's free prescription drug discount program has saved county residents more than $130,000 through Sept. 2011. Residents have filled more than 8,600 prescriptions at discounts averaging over 27 percent or $15.60 per prescription.
The prescription drug discount program helps consumers cope with the high price of prescription drugs. The county makes the free prescription drug discount cards available under a program sponsored by the National Association of Counties (NACo).
Cardholders and their family members who have insurance may use the card in situations where their insurance provider does not cover a particular medication. The card also covers pet medications available at participating pharmacies. The card cannot be used for co-pays or to obtain additional discounts on prescriptions that are covered by insurance.
The cards may be used by all county residents, regardless of age, income or existing health coverage and are accepted at all of the county's pharmacies. A national network of more than 59,000 participating retail pharmacies also honors the card.
NACo PRESCRIPTION DISCOUNT CARD PROGRAM FACT SHEET
What It Is:
The NACo drug discount card program is offered in a joint effort of Calvert County Government and the National Association of Counties (NACo). It helps consumers save money on their prescription medications any time their prescriptions are not covered by insurance. The free cards are distributed in the sponsoring county (see list of distribution sites below) and may be used at any participating retail pharmacy. The discount card is not insurance.
Savings:
Savings average 22 percent; some discounts may be more, and some less, depending on the drug and quantity purchased. Cardholders are eligible for higher discounts on a three-month supply of some medications through mail service. Cardholders also can save on pet prescriptions at participating retail pharmacies.
Who It’s For:
The cards may be used by all county residents, regardless of age, income or existing health coverage. 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.
What It Costs:
Unlike many other card programs, there is no enrollment cost or membership fee. The cardholder pays the negotiated discount price or the pharmacy’s retail price, whichever is lower. The average discount is 22 percent.
Participating Pharmacies:
More than 59,000 pharmacies nationwide accept the card, including most chain pharmacies and many independents. Wal-Mart pharmacies participate in the program.
Additional Benefits:
The program has a safety feature that alerts pharmacists when one drug may conflict with another medication the cardholder is taking, if the prescriptions were obtained with the NACo discount card.
The NACo discount card program remains a useful option now that Medicare Part D has been implemented. For example, the card can be used when a Medicare Part D plan doesn’t cover a drug.
About CVS Caremark:
The program is administered by CVS Caremark, which has broad experience in managing drug discount card programs for sponsoring clients. CVS Caremark negotiates with pharmacies to offer a discount off their retail prices. Most pharmacies contract to participate because it draws customers to their stores. CVS Caremark derives revenue from the program in the form of a small fee that the pharmacy pays on each transaction. The fee is a small fraction of the total transaction amount.
Where to get a card:
Cards are available for pick up at the following locations (please select links for directions):
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Calvert Memorial Hospital Emergency Room and Urgent Care Centers
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The Calvert County Department of Community Resources, located at 30 Duke Street, Room 102, Prince Frederick, MD (across from the Prince Frederick Post Office).
Only one card per family is required. No enrollment forms are necessary; you simply must show proof of residency. For additional information, call 410-257-1947.
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