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Usage of the Santa Fe County Prescription Drug Card was up 342% during the Summer of 2008 compared to the same period last year.  From May to September 2008, there were 3,531 utilizers of the discount on prescription drugs for themselves and their pets compared to 602 utilizers during the same period in 2007. The average savings was over 20% and $11 per prescription filled.  Santa Fe County residents saved over $76,000 this summer.  “As we all face increased belt tightening, this program can make a real difference” said County Commissioner Harry Montoya “I’m glad to see so many people taking advantage of this free program.”

What It Is: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. The discount card is not insurance.

Savings: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 petprescriptions 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.

What It Costs:Unlike many other card programs, there is no enrollment cost or membership fee. The cardholder pays the negotiated discount price or the pharmacy’s retail price, whichever is lower. The average discount is 20 percent.

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 or by calling 992.9841.