County Prescription Discount Program Saves New York Residents $10 Million in 3 Years
By Mark LaVigne
In just over three years, residents in thirteen New York counties have saved a combined $10 million on prescription drugs through the ProAct Prescription Drug Program. According to ProAct officials, during the three year period more than 564,300 prescriptions have been filled with an average savings of 38 percent off of the retail price.
“Access to affordable health care remains a top priority for county government leaders, and we are very pleased to see the RX Discount program continue as a model of success for those that need medication to maintain their health,” said Stephen J. Acquario, the executive director of the New York State Association of Counties (NYSAC). “This program offers that access to affordable care and it provides consumer savings during this economic recession, when there are more demands on each dollar New Yorkers have to spend.”
NYSAC has partnered with ProAct to provide member counties with the opportunity to provide lower cost prescription drugs as a savings to county residents. The thirteen counties currently using the ProAct program include Cayuga, Delaware, Franklin, Fulton, Jefferson, Lewis, Madison, Onondaga, Oswego, Schenectady, Seneca, Steuben, and St. Lawrence. Many other counties are currently evaluating this program.
“It provides a benefit to those who do not have insurance to offset the terrible burden of the cost of medicine,” said James Eisel, the chairman of the Delaware County Board of Supervisors. “It behooves us to do anything we can in these uncertain times to benefit our residents.”
The ProAct Discount Card Program is a no cost program to counties, taxpayers or to the participants. There is no income verification, eligibility requirements or the need to sign-up for the program. The discount cards are simply mailed to each household in the county, and are available at county agencies and participating pharmacies. Residents receive discounts on brand named prescriptions, generic drugs and pet medications at 55,000 pharmacies across the country.
If you have further questions about the ProAct Discount Card Program contact our NYSAC Offices or ProAct's Program Manager, Mike Maenza at (585) 750-6453 or mikemaenza@kinneydrugs.com.
The New York State Association of Counties is a bipartisan municipal association serving all 62 counties of New York State including the City of New York. Organized in 1925, NYSAC's mission is to represent, educate and advocate for member counties and the thousands of elected and appointed county officials who serve the public.