Hamilton County residents have saved more than $675,000 with a discount card for prescription drugs that we introduced in January 2009.
That is a pretty hefty amount.
Yet, we are seeing usage drop. The card has been used to make more than 28,000 purchases since its inception. However, where we once had more than 800 users a month, now we are down to about half that.
It could be more people are insured and their prescriptions are covered. That would be a good thing. Still, I want to tell as many as possible about this great program.
The prescription drug discount cards are available under a program sponsored by the National Association of Counties (NACo). There is no cost to the taxpayer for the program.
The cards may be used by all county residents, regardless of age, income, or existing health coverage, and are accepted at most pharmacies throughout the county. More than 1,000 counties throughout the country participate in the program and a national network of more than 59,000 participating retail pharmacies will honor the NACo prescription discount card.
Among those who benefit from the program:
- County residents who are uninsured.
- County residents who are insured but a drug may not be covered on their insurance plan.
- County residents who must buy human drugs for their pets.
The cards were originally at branches of the Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County, YMCA branches, the Council on Aging of Southwest Ohio and many social service agencies, such as the FreeStore Foodbank and Talbert House. If you cannot find them feel free to call us at 946-1010 for a card.
