NY Gov. Paterson Announces Program To Make Drugs More Affordable For Lower-Income New Yorkers With Free Prescription Drug Card

State Now Accepting Applications for New York Prescription Saver Card; More Than 2,500 Pharmacies Statewide to Provide Discounts Beginning April 1

March 23, 2009 -- New York Governor David A. Paterson today announced the New York State Department of Health (DOH) is now accepting applications for the free New York Prescription Saver Card. The program will provide lower-income New Yorkers with savings that vary depending on the quantity, type and brand of the drug purchased. In general, New Yorkers can expect average savings of 30 to 40 percent off the price of generic, and at least 25 percent off the full retail price of brand name prescriptions.

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Discounts on nearly all prescription drugs will begin on April 1 at more than 2,500 participating pharmacies throughout the State. The New York Prescription Saver Card was enacted by Governor Paterson and the State Legislature as part of the 2008-2009 budget.

Beginning April 1, the State will offer lower-income New Yorkers aged 50 to 64, or those who have been determined disabled by the Social Security Administration, significant savings on prescription medications. More than 2,500 participating pharmacies across the State, including several major chains will accept the Prescription Saver Card. In addition, many drug manufacturers provide added discounts on their drugs. As more pharmaceutical manufacturers participate, prescription savings can continue to grow.

“It is important that during this economic crisis we find innovative and effective ways to provide for lower-income New Yorkers, and the New York Prescription Saver program is a great way for our State’s eligible residents to get real discounts at thousands of participating retail pharmacies across the State,” said Governor Paterson. “The New York Prescription Saver Card can help to not only ease the burden of costly prescriptions for lower-income New Yorkers, but can also ease the minds of those residents who worry about not being able to maintain their health and well-being. I would like to thank the State Legislature, and our participating pharmacies and manufacturers for supporting this program and for joining together to provide critical assistance during a difficult time for many New Yorkers.”

Estimated savings on common generic and brand names drugs include:

* Metaformin (Treats Diabetes): 76 percent
* Furosemide (Treats Hypertension): 43 percent
* Actonel (Treats Osteoporosis): 40 percent
* Lipitor (Treats cholesterol): 31 percent
* Nexium (Treats heartburn): 19 percent
* Plavix (Treats Stroke): 20 percent

To be eligible for the free New York Prescription Saver Card, you must be between the ages 50 to 64, or determined disabled by the Social Security Administration. Annual income must be at or below $35,000 for single persons and at or below $50,000 for married individuals. Those individuals who are enrolled in Medicaid or the State’s Elderly Pharmaceutical Insurance Coverage (EPIC) program are not eligible for the Prescription Saver Card.

Senate Majority Leader Malcolm A. Smith said: “The ability to enjoy good health, especially for older adults, should not solely depend upon how deep your pockets are. The program we have started will offer significant cost savings on many prescriptions for those New Yorkers who may not qualify for senior benefits, but for whom the affordability of prescriptions means a healthy, active lifestyle.”

Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver said: “In this tough economy, low-income and disabled New Yorkers are often forced to make difficult decisions in order to obtain medications necessary to their health and well being. Today we encourage all eligible New Yorkers to apply for the Prescription Saver Card, which will help those on fixed incomes or without health benefits afford the medicines they need. During this economic recession we must keep in mind the challenges faced by the most vulnerable New Yorkers. We commend Governor Paterson including the Prescription Saver program in his Executive Budget proposal.”

Applications for the New York Prescription Saver card are being accepted online at http://nyprescriptionsaver.fhsc.com, or by phone on the toll free number 1-800-788-6917. TTY users may call 1-800-290-9138. Applications will be also be available at pharmacies and community organizations. Approved participants will receive their card in the mail usually within two weeks of filing their application.

A listing of the discounted drug prices, participating manufacturers and pharmacies, and a pharmacy locator can be found at the Prescription Saver Web site at http://nyprescriptionsaver.fhsc.com.

Source: New York Governor