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Municipal Services Somerville embraces drug discount program
Somerville last month became the first Massachusetts community to sign on to a National League of Cities program that makes it possible for residents to save money on prescription drugs.
The NLC Prescription Discount Card Program, which has been widely adopted in some other states, offers savings averaging 20 percent on commonly prescribed medications. The program is designed to assist those who lack health insurance and individuals who face high co-pays on drugs or whose insurance doesn’t cover needed prescriptions.
A city or town must be an NLC member to be eligible for the program, which was developed in partnership with CVS Caremark.
Somerville residents can pick up their discount cards at City Hall and some other municipal buildings, or they can print them out from the city’s Web site.
The demand has been strong, according to Tom Champion, a spokesman for Somerville Mayor Joseph Curtatone.
In some cases, savings can be far greater than 20 percent. For example, someone without health insurance would have to pay close to $60 for a prescription of Bactrim to treat an infection, according to city figures. Through the NLC program, the cost would be just $11.44.
“If you can afford [your prescribed medication because of] the discount, you’re going to get your medication, and you’re not going to be spreading the disease,” Champion said.
The cost of the discounts is absorbed by the participating pharmacies. In Somerville, participants include major chain retailers as well as independent local pharmacies that offer home delivery.
Municipal Services Somerville embraces drug discount program
Somerville embraces drug discount program
Somerville last month became the first Massachusetts community to sign on to a National League of Cities program that makes it possible for residents to save money on prescription drugs.
The NLC Prescription Discount Card Program, which has been widely adopted in some other states, offers savings averaging 20 percent on commonly prescribed medications. The program is designed to assist those who lack health insurance and individuals who face high co-pays on drugs or whose insurance doesn’t cover needed prescriptions.
A city or town must be an NLC member to be eligible for the program, which was developed in partnership with CVS Caremark.
Somerville residents can pick up their discount cards at City Hall and some other municipal buildings, or they can print them out from the city’s Web site.
The demand has been strong, according to Tom Champion, a spokesman for Somerville Mayor Joseph Curtatone.
In some cases, savings can be far greater than 20 percent. For example, someone without health insurance would have to pay close to $60 for a prescription of Bactrim to treat an infection, according to city figures. Through the NLC program, the cost would be just $11.44.
“If you can afford [your prescribed medication because of] the discount, you’re going to get your medication, and you’re not going to be spreading the disease,” Champion said.
The cost of the discounts is absorbed by the participating pharmacies. In Somerville, participants include major chain retailers as well as independent local pharmacies that offer home delivery.
Written by MMA Associate Editor Mitch Evich
