CVS Caremark: NACo Rx discount card has saved Americans more than $500M
WASHINGTON and WOONSOCKET, R.I. — Residents in counties across the country that participate in the National Association of Counties' Prescription Discount Card Program have saved more than $500 million on their prescription medications since the launch of the program in 2004, according to data released by NACo and CVS Caremark.
The NACo Prescription Drug Discount Card Program was created in late 2004 as a 17-county pilot program in partnership with CVS Caremark to provide a valuable membership benefit to counties. The NACo board made the program available to members nationwide in May 2005.
Today, more than 1,400 counties across the United States participate in the program. The average savings per transaction is approximately 24% and those savings can add up over time for many American families.
"This program puts cash back into consumers' pockets thanks to their county government and the National Association of Counties," stated NACo president Chris Rodgers, commissioner for Douglas County, Neb. "Saving American consumers more than $500 million on their prescription costs is an enormous milestone for our program, and NACo is extremely proud of this result."
"At CVS Caremark, we recognize that medication adherence can positively affect an individual's overall health, while also helping to reduce overall healthcare costs," added Jon Roberts, president of the PBM business of CVS Caremark. "The NACo Prescription Discount Card Program helps reduce the cost of medications — one of the most frequently cited barriers to taking medications as prescribed — and is one example of the many programs we administer to help support medication adherence and help people on their path to better health."
The savings as a result of the program are significant in many of the participating counties. For example, $24.3 million saved in Montgomery County, Md.; $15.9 million saved in Indianapolis/Marion County, Ind.; $10 million saved in Snohomish County, Wash.; $7.2 million saved in Wake County, N.C.; $6.5 million saved in Maricopa County, Ariz.; $6.2 million saved in Palm Beach County, Fla.; $2.8 million saved in Fulton County, Ga.; and $1.9 million in Cook County, Ill.
Rural counties with populations under 50,000 are also experiencing savings: $546,000 saved in Culpeper County, Va.; $341,000 saved in Buffalo County, Neb.; $184,000 saved in Baxter County, Ark.; $179,000 saved in Brookings County, S.D.; and $119,000 saved in Humboldt County, Iowa. Savings are not exclusive to the continental 48 states: More than $609,000 has been saved in Kenai Peninsula Borough, Alaska, while residents in Honolulu City/County, Hawaii, have saved more than $3.6 million.
The discount card has many benefits: It is easy to get, there are no forms to fill out and it is available at no cost to the consumer. The card can be used by people who do not have insurance or by those who have certain prescriptions that are not covered by their insurance.
The card may be used by any resident of a participating county, regardless of age, income or existing health conditions. Everyone is eligible and one card can be used by the entire family. All commonly prescribed prescription medications, including many pet medications, are eligible for a discount.
The card is accepted within a national network of 65,000 pharmacies, including all the major chains, such as Wal-Mart, CVS/pharmacy, Walgreens, Giant, Safeway and Rite Aid. Participating pharmacies also include the majority of community-based, independent pharmacies.