Wicomico County Executive Richard M. Pollitt, Jr., and County Health Officer Lori Brewster jointly announced that, “Our free county prescription drug program is now a year old and it is an unqualified success. Last January, 80 residents took advantage of it. This past January, 333 residents participated. Program usage has been averaging 323 participants per month in the first 12 full months (February, 2008-January, 2009) of its operation. We are pleased that we have been able to provide Wicomico Countians with a service that they seem to value highly.”
The program is made available at no taxpayer cost through the National Association of Counties (NACo) and Caremark®. According to NACo, Wicomico County card users have saved
$88,907 to date on prescription drugs.
The cards may be used by all county residents, regardless of age, income, or existing health coverage, and are accepted at most of the county’s pharmacies. A national network of more than 59,000 participating retail pharmacies also honors the Wicomico County Prescription Discount Card.
“Using the NACo prescription discount card is easy,” said Officer Brewster. “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.”
A list of card pick-up locations and participating pharmacies is available on the Wicomico County Health Department’s website at http://www.wicomicohealth.org/. County residents may also call toll free 1-877-321-2652 or visit www.caremark.com/naco for additional assistance with the program.
The program is made available at no taxpayer cost through the National Association of Counties (NACo) and Caremark®. According to NACo, Wicomico County card users have saved
$88,907 to date on prescription drugs.
The cards may be used by all county residents, regardless of age, income, or existing health coverage, and are accepted at most of the county’s pharmacies. A national network of more than 59,000 participating retail pharmacies also honors the Wicomico County Prescription Discount Card.
“Using the NACo prescription discount card is easy,” said Officer Brewster. “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.”
A list of card pick-up locations and participating pharmacies is available on the Wicomico County Health Department’s website at http://www.wicomicohealth.org/. County residents may also call toll free 1-877-321-2652 or visit www.caremark.com/naco for additional assistance with the program.
4 comments:
Am I reading correctly that this program is open to anyone regardless of income? So if one makes, say, $75,000 per year, he can obtain free prescriptions? And who ultimately pays for this? Nothing is really "free."
If these people who need meds will just go to Wal-Mart and get them filled it is $5.00..That is lower than co-pay..What does it hurt to check it out?
1150
No, you don't get free Rx. It allows you a discount (20% I think) for Rx not covered by insurance and/or for those without any insurance. The card is free to anyone, regardless of income, but if you have a good Rx plan, then it most likely won't do you any good.
Just FYI, but I believe it's available throughout the state, not just Wicomico County. I know for a fact Worcester has the same cards. And, you don't have to use the card in the county you live in (or the county that is listed on the card).
Melissa, thanks for clearing that up for me. (11:50)
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