News and Articles

In January, 880 Santa Fe County residents saved over $20,000 on prescription medication for themselves or their pets using the Santa Fe County prescription drug discount card.  The number of County residents who used the discount card increased by more than 26% from December to January.  Each of 880 residents who used the card saved an average of over 20% on their prescriptions.

The Santa Fe County prescription drug discount card program helps consumers save money on their prescription medications any time their prescriptions are not covered by insurance. The free cards may be used at any participating retail pharmacy.  “It’s making a difference in the lives of people” said County Commissioner Harry Montoya “Saving twenty percent is significant in a time when the cost of living continues to rise.  It’s a small yet tangible step towards dealing with our nation’s health care challenges.”

Savings average 20 percent: Some discounts may be more, and some less, depending on the drug and quantity purchased. Cardholders are eligible for higher discounts on a three-month supply of some medications through mail service. Cardholders also can save on pet prescriptions at participating retail pharmacies.

Who It’s For:The cards may be used by all county residents, regardless of age, income or existing health coverage. There is no enrollment form, no membership fee and no restrictions or limits on frequency of use. Cardholders and their family members may use the card any time their prescriptions are not covered by insurance.

Pets:70% of pet prescriptions overlap with human ones. The residents simply ask the veterinarian to write out a prescription and then they can have it filled at a network participating pharmacy.

Additional Benefits:The program has a safety feature that alerts pharmacists when one drug may conflict with another medication the cardholder is taking, if the prescriptions were obtained with the card.  The Santa Fe County discount card program remains a useful option now that Medicare Part D has been implemented. For example, the card can be used when a Medicare Part D plan doesn’t cover a drug.

Where You Get the Card:Available at most local pharmacies, on the County Mobile Health Van, or by calling 992.9841.  For more information, visit http://santafecounty.org/hhsd/prescription_cards.php.