Free program saves Lane County residents money on prescription drugs
SPRINGFIELD, Ore. - The high cost of prescription drugs is a serious concern nationwide, especially for the uninsured or people who are under-insured.
But a rapidly growing program in Lane County is making a difference for 1 out of 5 people in the U.S. who do not have prescription drug coverage.
If you're among the uninsured, though, there is a card that may save you money.
"I kind of feel like the tooth fairy, you know, the prescription fairy," said pharmacy manager Ginny McDaniel of Walgreens at RiverBend Hospital.
That's why McDaniel is so fired up about the FamilyWize program. She's been offering the coupons at her counter for the past 3 months.
"There was no red tape," she said. "It was just a clean, really there-for-the-people program."
In just 6 months, FamilyWize has picked up a lot of steam. Total savings to Lane County clients surpass $38,000. The average savings for each prescription is 28 percent.
Nearly 2,600 discounts have been approved.
"We're seeing more and more people losing their health insurance -- even if they keep their jobs," says Cheryl Crumbley of United Way of Lane County.
She sad job one is reaching out to the estimated 63,000 county residents without health insurance or those with health plans that don't cover prescription meds.
"We're seeing more and more people needing a little extra help on their prescriptions, even those with insurance, so I think the need is going to continue for a long, long time," Crumbley said.
McDaniel said she's trying to do her part, one customer at a time.
"The gentleman couldn't believe it," she said of a recent customer. "He thought I was joking because it came down to like $20 is what he ended up paying."
The FamilyWize program has spread to over 800 United Way chapters across the country. The savings on the cost of the medicine is provided by the participating local pharmacies that have agreed to voluntarily accept prices for medications that are close to the prices they make available to large insurance companies or employers.
Click here to find out if you qualify and see a list of pharmacies involved.
