Prescription discount cards roll out

By Cherry Sokoloski
North Forty News

If one is good, two are probably better. That's the response of two local entities that are offering prescription discount cards to citizens.

Both Larimer County and the Larimer County Medical Society came out with plans for discount cards this spring, but neither had prior knowledge of the other's plan.

The discount cards are free, available to anyone, and intended to take at least a small bite out of the high cost of medical care. No enrollment is necessary, and the cards may be used to purchase any prescription drug not covered by health insurance. For people with health insurance plans, including Medicare Part D, the cards may be used for any drugs not covered by their plans.

The cards are intended primarily for uninsured and underinsured citizens. Discounts vary by the prescription drug, so people may carry both cards if they wish and compare savings at the pharmacy.

The LCMS cards are now available, while Larimer County's cards will arrive in mid-June. LCMS cards may be picked up at local doctors' offices or at Fort Collins and Loveland chambers of commerce. The cards may also be printed from the LCMS web site, www.larimermedicalsociety.org. The list of participating pharmacies can also be found at the LCMS web site.

When the Larimer County cards arrive, they will be distributed by county departments and United Way. The county program is sponsored by the National Association of Counties.

While both LCMS and Larimer County were surprised by the duplication of efforts, officials agree that having two cards available is not a bad thing.

"As long as the citizen is coming out ahead, that's what matters," said Larimer County Commissioner Kathay Rennels, who worked hard to obtain the county's discount cards.

"It's nothing but good that we have the two services in the community," said Clint Skutchan, executive director of LCMS. "Ultimately, we want to get these cards in the hands of as many consumers as possible."

There are some differences in the programs. Notably, the LCMS claims its card will, on average, save more for consumers. The program, run by Physician's Rx Care, boasts average prescription savings of 35 percent, including 15 percent for brand-name drugs and 46 percent for generic drugs.

The county's program, administered by Caremark Rx Inc., reports average savings of 20 percent, including 14 percent for brand-name drugs and 34 percent for generics. The program also covers many diabetic supplies.

Besides covering prescriptions, the LCMS card provides discounts on nonprescription items such as smoking cessation products, diabetic supplies, vision products at JC Penney's, hearing products from Beltone and laboratory tests and imaging from LXD.

Local doctors urged the LCMS to pursue the discount program as a way to help their patients.

"If patients can't afford drugs that are prescribed, their treatment isn't complete," said Skutchan.

He added that the discount cards are just part of the solution for patients who have difficulty affording prescription drugs. He also encouraged people to check out the prescription assistance program offered by the Health District of Northern Larimer County.