NeedyMeds
Monday, January 7, 2013
By: Christina Relacion
A way to save on your prescription medications
A joint project of the Scleroderma Foundation and
NeedyMeds.org
How the Card Works It’s really quite simple. There is no registration or
enrollment cost. You can cut out the card below or obtain a plastic one. Every time
you get a prescription filled, give the card to the pharmacist. He or she will
check on the discount and let you know how much you save. You can share the
card with your family members and friends. A copy of the card (both sides)
works as well as the original.
Common Questions about
the Drug Discount Card
How much will I save? Savings vary for each drug and range from nothing to as high
as 80 percent. The pharmacist can tell you how much you saved.
Can I use the card if I have insurance? Yes, if your drug isn’t covered by your insurance. You may
find that you save if you opt to use the card rather than your insurance. The
pharmacist can help you find the best deal.
Can I get a discount
on anything besides prescription medication? Yes, the card will help with some over-the-counter
medications, even some prescriptions for your pets that you fill at the
pharmacy.
Can you track my prescriptions? No. All the cards issued by the clinic have the same
identification numbers. There is no way to track anything about you.
Can I share my card with family members and friends? Yes, we encourage it. Anyone can use the card. They don’t
have to be patients of the clinic.
How much will I save? Savings vary from nothing on some medications to more than
90 percent.
What drugs are covered? There’s the possibility of a discount on any drug. Your
pharmacist can find the discount when you get your prescription filled.
Does the card work at every pharmacy? The card is accepted at more than 53,000 pharmacies. If your
pharmacy doesn’t participate, the pharmacist should call (800) 503-6897 to sign
up.
What if I still can’t afford my medicine? There are many programs that help people who can’t afford
their medications. All the information on these programs plus many others is on
the NeedyMeds website at www.needymeds.org.
I don’t use the Internet. There are many places that offer free Internet access and
help such as your library or senior center. You also could ask a friend or
family member to help you.
Can I use the card if I have insurance? You can’t use the card if you are using insurance, Medicaid
or Medicare to pay for the medicine. However, you can use the card if the drug
isn’t covered by your insurance. You may find you save more by using the card
rather than your insurance. Your pharmacist can help you find the best deal.
Can I get a discount on anything else besides prescription medications?
Yes. The card will work for some over-the-counter
medications and even prescriptions you fill at the pharmacy for your pets.
You can also share the card with your family members and
friends. A copy of the card (both sides) works as well as the original. To
order a laminated card, contact the Foundation, (800) 722-4673, SFinfo@scleroderma.org.
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