Sunday, April 5, 2009

Assemblymember Mark Weprin Announces Free Prescription Saver Card...

Assemblymember Mark S. Weprin (D-Little Neck) announced that the New York State Department of Health is now accepting applications for the new, free New York Prescription $aver Card. The program will offer participants significant discounts on thousands of prescription medications, providing savings of more than 60 percent on generic drugs and 30 percent on brand name drugs. Card recipients will be able to take advantage of the savings beginning April 1st.

“We need to make sure everyone has access to health care, and making prescription drugs more affordable is a critical part of the plan,” Assemblymember Weprin said. “Drug prices can be outrageous, and if you need a certain medication but you can’t afford it, you’re put in a terrible and potentially life-threatening spot. We need to make sure people can afford their medications.

”The Prescription $aver Card program will serve low-income New Yorkers who are disabled or are between the ages of 50 and 64. To be eligible for this benefit, the annual income must be $35,000 or less for single individuals or $50,000 or less for married individuals. Medicaid recipients or those enrolled in the Elderly Pharmaceutical Insurance Coverage (EPIC) program are not eligible for the Prescription $aver Card.

The Prescription $aver Card program is a significant step forward in helping people afford their health care. More than 2,500 pharmacies throughout the state will be participating in the program, including small, independent pharmacies and large chains, as well as many drug manufacturers. As participation grows, savings will grow, sparing people thousands of dollars a year in prescription costs. The savings will be truly meaningful to those who need it most.

To learn more about the Prescription $aver Card program or to apply, visit http://nyprescriptionsaver.fhsc.com or call 1-800-788-6917. TTY users should call 1-800-290-9138. Applications are also available at pharmacies.