Wisconsin Drug Card Media Center

On March 4, the Wisconsin Drug Card Program began offering a free drug card that gives all state residents discounts on prescription medications.

Hidden in the wake of Brett Favre's retirement, many missed the card's announcement. The drug card allows Wisconsin residents to receive up to a 75 percent discount on prescriptions. Savings, however, average at 30 percent. Ben Porritt, media director for the program, said, "We are calling on hospitals, clinics, associations and organizations to create public awareness for the program and to help distribute cards. This program is just what the people of Wisconsin needed to help them manage rising insurance and medical expenses." Kyle Jumonville, development director for the Wisconsin Drug Card Program, said, "This card is available to everyone. Anyone can obtain a card and they don't have to fill out an application." Originally, the card was issued to help those who were uninsured or under insured, but there are no restrictions. The card can also be used to assist those who have insurance without prescription benefits or have full health care coverage. Those who don't qualify for Medicare and Medicaid are also eligible for the card. To obtain a card, residents have two options. One way to get the drug card is by going to the program's Web site, wisconsindrugcard.com, and filling in the name and phone number box. After inserting this information and pressing submit, the printable and authorized card will appear, ready for use. Those without computer access can go into any Aurora pharmacy and a card can be issued there as well. Scott Pigeon, pharmacy manager for Aurora pharmacy on Main Street, said, "The card is pretty easy to use. Even if you register online and forget to bring it in we can still look your information up to give you the discount." A prescription listing can also be found on the Web site by clicking on the medication pricing button.

This will lead prospective card holders to an A-Z list of prescriptions covered under the drug card. Those who don't know what drug to look for can also look up specific medical conditions. The condition listings can range from dandruff to malignant gastric tumors. After selecting an ailment, a catalog of brand and generic medications will appear. There are several pharmacies partnering with the program. More than 50,000 national and regional pharmacies are involved, including Walgreens, Kmart and Aurora, which is the preferred pharmacy for the program. Jim Moore, Aurora Pharmacy president, said, "We're continually looking for ways to help patients address the costs of prescription drugs. This initiative is one way to help ensure people are able to get the medications that improve their lives." The Wisconsin Drug Card Program is run by United Networks of America Rx Cards. UNA has helped set up programs in 17 other states. Brian Oliver, executive vice president of UNA, said, "The free prescription programs have created almost $100 million in prescription savings to members around the country in the short history of the program with calendar year savings for 2008 projected to exceed $108 million." Jumonville said, "It's really a great program. Finally, we can offer medical assistance to people regardless of age or health conditions. It's great for older college students who don't have or are no longer covered by their parent's health insurance."

A Children's Miracle Network Hospitals ad was featured in Pharmacy Times (May 2016 Issue). A donation will be made to your local Children's Miracle Network Hospital each time a prescription is processed through the Rx Assistance Program.

Pharmacy Times (May 2016)