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County joins effort to reduce prescription cost
Summary
Will become one of the largest Counties in U.S. to join Prescription Discounts Program covering families and pets
Story
King County residents now have a new option in paying for prescription medications with today’s announcement from Metropolitan King County Councilmember Kathy Lambert and Patty Hayes, Director of Public Health-Seattle and King County, of the county becoming part of a nationwide program that provides discounts on prescriptions.
“I’m so happy this day is finally here. Since I first heard of this program several years ago, I’ve been working to bring it to King County,” said Lambert, a member of the King County Board of Health. “Prescription health care costs are expensive and this program is a way to cut costs – for both our citizens and their pets! I’m pleased that over 375 pharmacies in King County are already participating and available for all county residents.”
“We all know the cost of health care can be a barrier to staying healthy, and prescription medications are an increasingly important part of medical treatments,” said Hayes. “This won’t solve the problem of expensive medical care – but it’s a great new option for King County residents.”
“Live Healthy” is a free card that County residents can show to receive an average of 24 percent off the retail price of prescription medicine. Residents who do not have health insurance can show their card to save on all prescription purchases. Those with health insurance can show the card when their prescription medicines are not covered by their insurance. Residents simply present the discount card at a participating retail pharmacy along with their prescription.
More than 68,000 pharmacies nationwide are participating in the program, with Bartell Drugs being one of the local outlets. King County will join Cook County in Illinois as two of the largest counties in the United States participating in the “Live Healthy” program.
“Working together, King County and NACo are expanding the opportunity for resident’s to save,” said Eric Johnson, Executive Director of the Washington State Association of Counties. “The number of pharmacies in King County accepting the card continue to grow, and the new participants will join people throughout our state who have already saved over $18 million through their participation in the Live Healthy Program.”
There are no annual limits placed on use of the card, no forms to fill out, no waiting periods, no age or income requirements and no medical condition restrictions. The card can even be used by four-legged family members! Medicine for pets will be discounted as part of the program.
The program is administered by the National Association of Counties (NACo) which is a collaboration of America’s 3,069 county governments working together to advocate on a variety of issues that impact national policy.
For more information on the Live Healthy Prescription Discounts Program, go to: nacorx.org to register and download a free card or call toll-free 877-321-2652 to join.