Stead: Drug discount program consistent for 2009
by Michael Anich, The Leader Herald
JOHNSTOWN - Analysis of usage statistics for the first seven months of 2009 for Fulton County's free prescription drug discount card program shows residents' savings is consistent with previous time periods, county Administrative Officer Jon R. Stead said Thursday.
Stead indicated in a news release that county residents saved an average of 11 percent off brand name prescriptions and 60 percent off generic prescriptions during the period ending July 31.
He said that in early 2008, the Fulton County Board of Supervisors partnered with ProAct, Inc. - a pharmacy benefit management company based in Central New York - to sponsor a prescription drug discount card that would help defray the rising cost of prescription medication for area residents. Fulton County residents began receiving ProAct discount cards in late February 2008 and have been taking advantage of the benefits the card provides, Stead said.
A discount card summary report compiled by ProAct indicated participants filled 4,541 prescriptions, resulting in an average savings of $22.67 per prescription. This amounts to a total savings of nearly $103,000.00 from January through July.
"The prescription discount card provides significant savings for uninsured and under-insured residents of Fulton County," Stead stated. "Residents who have prescription drug coverage can use the card to save money on drugs that are not covered by their health plan.
"Any Fulton County resident, regardless of age, can participate in the discount program and one card may be used for all family members. There is no cost to the county or its residents."
Stead said county residents who have questions about this program or need more information can call the ProAct help desk toll free, at 1-877-776-2285.