WHITE PLAINS, NY — Westchester County Executive Robert P. Astorino today announced that the county is participating in the ProAct Prescription Drug Discount Program in an effort to help reduce the cost of prescription drugs for those who are uninsured or underinsured – a benefit that comes at no cost to the county or taxpayers.
Every household in Westchester will be receiving the ProAct Prescription Drug Discount Card in the mail starting as early as today.
“We know the cost of prescription drugs can be a real hardship, especially if someone is uninsured or is taking a medication that is not covered by his or her insurance plan,” Astorino said during a media event at Cary’s Pharmacy in Dobbs Ferry, one of the county’s oldest pharmacies. “We hope this card provides real relief. And the best part is that this comes at no cost to the county or to taxpayers. It’s a way of recognizing that government can’t provide everything to all people, but we’re working to find smarter, more creative ways to serve the residents of Westchester.”
The discount card covers all prescription medications, brand or generic. The discounts are designed for residents who do not have insurance or whose insurance doesn’t cover particular drugs. The cards cannot be used in conjunction with any other type of insurance or to discount co-pays.
On average, participants can expect to save 10 to 20 percent on brand drugs and 20 to 70 percent on generics – at no cost to the county or participants. The program also covers prescription pet medications that can be filled at a regular retail pharmacy.
ProAct will be accepted at most Westchester County pharmacies and can be used nationwide at any of more than 56,000 participating locations. Endorsed by the New York State Association of Counties (NYSAC), the program is now offered by more than half of the counties in New York, including nearby Rockland, Putnam, Orange and Nassau counties.
The cards are completely anonymous and one card can be used by an entire family. All you have to do is simply bring the card when you fill a prescription and you will see savings. If you lose the card, you can print a new version online at www.NYRxDiscountCard.com.
On average, those who use the ProAct Prescription Drug Discount Card save $31 per prescription.
In Erie County, which has participated in the ProAct program since April 2010, more than 122,000 prescriptions have been filled for a total savings of $4.5 million. Participants in Erie saved an average of $37 per prescription.
“This important health care initiative helps residents save money on their prescriptions without costing the taxpayers a dime,” said Stephen J. Acquario, executive director of NYSAC, which has endorsed the discount card as a way for county leaders to help foster public health in their communities. “We applaud County Executive Rob Astorino for bringing this program to Westchester County.”
The ProAct card is also good for discounts on vision and hearing services. Residents could save up to 15 percent off routine visits, exams and equipment.
Additional dental benefits are also available through the ProAct card, though there is a fee of $36.50 for an individual and $52 for a family. Once you sign up for the dental program, the fee is typically offset after one standard visit, according to ProAct officials.
ProAct is a subsidiary of Kinney Drugs, a healthcare company headquartered in Gouverneur, N.Y., that is currently comprised of 95 stores in Upstate New York and Vermont. The ProAct discounts are made possible through negotiated rates with participating locations.
For more information, including a listing of participating pharmacies, ProAct can be reached toll-free at 877-776-2285 or by visiting www.NYRxDiscountCard.com. Additional cards are available at county offices and various municipalities throughout the county
CVS
Will the CVS stores in New Rochelle accept these discount cards? Just curious since there are few pharmaceutical possibilities in New Ro other than the tiny pharmacy at the Palmer Avenue Stop & Shop (do they accept these discount cards?).