Senate News Update
From Senator Jane Earll
March 7, 2006

Alternate Drug Plan Could Save You Money

If you need help paying for prescription drugs, and you don't have health insurance and don't qualify for Medicare, you may be able to get discounts of up to 40% on your medications.  This program is for the working poor and the working not-so-poor; a family of five making $70,000 is eligible. 

Through the Together Rx Access Card, you could save 25% to 40% on more than 275 brand-name prescription drugs and other prescription products, as well as save on a wide range of generic drugs. Savings depend on such factors as the particular drug purchased, amount purchased, and pharmacy where purchased. 

There are no enrollment fees, no monthly fees, and no hidden fees, and the card is accepted at most pharmacies.  If you don't have health insurance and don't qualify for Medicare, Together Rx Access is certainly worth looking into. 

The Together Rx Access Card is sponsored by some of the world's largest pharmaceutical companies. The 275 brand-name drugs covered are those manufactured by: Bristol-Myers Squibb Company; GlaxoSmithKline; Janssen Pharmaceutical Products, L.P.; LifeScan, a Johnson & Johnson company; Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation; Ortho-McNeil Pharmaceutical, Inc.; Pfizer Inc; sanofi-aventis; Takeda Pharmaceuticals North America, Inc.; and TAP Pharmaceutical Products Inc. (A complete list of covered drugs can be found at www.togetherrxaccess.com or by calling 1-800-444-4106.) 

The card is not difficult to use. Once you've applied for and received your Together Rx Access Card, you simply bring it to a participating pharmacy along with your prescription, and your pharmacist calculates your savings. 

You must meet all the following criteria in order to be eligible:

• Not eligible for Medicare
• No prescription drug coverage (public or private)
• Household income equal to or less than
  • $30,000 for a single person
  • $40,000 for a family of two
  • $50,000 for a family of three
  • $60,000 for a family of four
  • $70,000 for a family of five
• Legal U.S. resident

You can apply online at the web site, or download an application and mail it to the address listed on the site. You can also apply by phone or call to have an application form sent to you. 

If you're not covered by public or private prescription drug assistance, I encourage you contact Together Rx Access and see if you qualify for these savings. And, please- tell a friend.

As always, if you have any questions on this or any other state government matter, please do not hesitate to contact my office directly at (814) 453-2515.