Joining the ProAct Prescription Discount Card Program in February of 2013 has proved to be a pennywise proposition for Putnam County residents. This week, County Executive MaryEllen Odell announced that since Putnam joined the Pro-Act Prescription Discount program, residents have had more than 16,500 prescriptions filled and have saved over $1 million.

“Activating this program has proven to be a financial success story for many of our residents,” said Odell. “This program helps not only those who are uninsured, but those who are under-insured which is all too common these days. With the rising costs of health insurance, many individuals and families are choosing catastrophic policies to save dollars in premiums and have to pay full price for prescriptions which can cost our constituents hundreds if not thousands of dollars a year. I strongly urge every resident, regardless of their health care coverage, to keep a card on-hand to ensure they will not have to pay full cash price for a prescription.”

In working closely with ProAct, Putnam has, since 2012, been able to provide residents, regardless of age, income or existing health care coverage, access to affordable prescriptions.  All residents are eligible to utilize the program. Although the discount card cannot be used in conjunction with any form of insurance to discount co-pays or deductibles, every prescription is eligible for a discount, including some pet medications.

All a resident has to do is present the discount card at a local pharmacy when having a prescription filled.  Residents typically see savings ranging from 10 to 20 percent on name brand medications and 20 to 70 percent on generic medications.

To ensure the discount card is accepted at a local pharmacy, or to compare prices of certain medications, residents may visit www.NYRxDiscountCard.com or contact the ProAct Help Desk at 1-877-776-2285.

This Prescription Discount Card Program does not require applications or enrollment fees to participate.  The program is completely free to taxpayers, the county and to participating residents.  If a resident has lost their card or if they need an additional one, extras are available at the Department of Social Services, the County Health Department and County Office Building or at any participating pharmacy in Putnam. Residents with access to the Internet, can obtain a discount card by visiting, www.NYRxDiscountCard.com.