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Prescription Cards Working For Oklahomans

For Immediate Release: February 05, 2008

Feb. 5, 2008 -- Two prescription drug programs that are funded by the state are providing customers with average savings of more than 60 percent on their generic prescriptions. The RX for Oklahoma and OklahomaRx Discount Card programs are also saving consumers more than 10 percent on average for brand name prescriptions.

The Oklahoma Health Care Authority (OHCA) in partnership with the Oklahoma Department of Commerce funds the programs. They were created to help make sure all residents can afford their prescriptions.

"We hear or read horror stories every day about people who have to choose between paying for their groceries or electricity and paying for their prescriptions. Usually, people forgo their prescriptions, which can have severe consequences. With these programs, we’re trying to make prescriptions more affordable and the data is proving that the programs work," said OHCA Pharmacy Director Nancy Nesser.

RX for Oklahoma
The RX for Oklahoma program is a free service that helps low-income residents access prescription assistance programs provided by pharmaceutical manufacturing companies. Since the inception of the program in December 2005, more than 18,700 people across the state have been helped.

Staff of the program provides assistance in completing applications and submitting the proper documentation to the pharmaceutical companies. The process takes about a month, so only long-term medications qualify for this program.

RX for Oklahoma also provides enrollment assistance and advice for the OklahomaRx Discount Card.

Oklahoma residents, regardless of age, who are uninsured or under-insured are encouraged to apply. For additional information about the Rx for Oklahoma program, please call 1-877-RX4-OKLA (1-877-794-6552) or visit www.RX4OKLA.com.

OklahomaRx Discount Card
The OklahomaRx Discount Card is available to all residents of the state. Individuals who do not have health insurance with prescription drug coverage or those who have insurance but regularly exceed their maximum yearly benefit for prescription drugs will realize the greatest savings.

Under the program, discounts range from 10 percent to 55 percent, depending on the drugs and where they are purchased. Generic drugs save consumers the most money. More than 570 pharmacies in Oklahoma are participating in the program, including most major retailers.

Oklahomans with total household income greater than 150 percent of the federal poverty level (FPL) (about $31,000 per year for a family of four) will pay a membership fee of $9.95 per year. For those whose household incomes fall below 150 percent of the FPL, the membership fee will be paid by the state.

The card is simple to use, just take it to one of the participating pharmacies when a prescription is needed and the discount will be given at the time of purchase. There are no receipts to submit or claim forms to fill out.

The program is administered by RxAmerica, a leading pharmacy benefit manager. Once enrollment has been processed at RxAmerica, a card will be delivered in about seven to 10 business days. More information is available about the program by contacting RxAmerica’s 24-hour toll-free customer service line at 1-800-511-7410 or by visiting www.okrxdiscount.com.