Free Discount Drug Card

Posted on 07.29.2009 by Goob in Deals, Health / Fitness, Money

Okay, so I’m confused here. I’ve had people send in this free Discount Drug Card offer for weeks now and I still don’t get how it works.

The website specifically says it’s a discount card to help people without health insurance. I guess I don’t understand how the makers of this drug card turn a profit, but I thought I’d post this and ask my fellow Hiffers if they have any experience with things like these. Do they actually work? I was able to print out my card in under a minute without giving out any info beyond my name, but I’ve never tried using it, hence the source of my confusion.

I called the toll free help number on the card and ended up having a chat with a somewhat helpful CSR. I asked who provided the service and he mentioned that the parent company is essentially a mail order pharmacy that works with insurance companies and thus are able to offer the discounts through their sheer size. He said average savings are around 20% and that most major pharmacies will accept the card.

I then wanted an assurance that this doesn’t charge you in any way. He said that the program provided by the parent company was free, but that some middle-men sites take the program and then sneakily ask for an enrollment fee, which the middle-men sites then keep. He said as long as you find a site that doesn’t ask for a credit card number in exchange for printing the card (like the one I linked to), then you shouldn’t pay a cent.

I don’t know, I’m just throwing this out there for anybody who might find it helpful. The CSR emphasized that this card isn’t meant to replace health insurance but instead help those without it. If any of you fall into that category, hopefully this will help you save a little money! And again, if you have experience with these, please share in the comments.

#1 mywishingpond | July 29th, 2009 at 04:55 pm

Wow this is a pretty nice offer. I would have to look into it a little more but if you called them and asked what they’re about, I guess it’s ok. It would be nice to use this in between the time I get new insurance. I think I’m going to ask my regular pharmacy if they’ve had patients with this card and how much the savings are.

#2 Coupons4me | July 29th, 2009 at 05:06 pm

We joined a similar sounding card through Walgreens. We have gotten discounts on prescriptions-it really works. It also racks up points for you on every Walgreen product you purchase – but only Walgreen brand products. you then eventually (after you gather the required points) get like a discount/gift card to use when buying Walgreens product. You cannot use this on prescriptions if you have insurance.

#3 M | July 29th, 2009 at 06:12 pm

I work in specialty pharmacy. Essentially almost every Pharmaceutical Company, Pharmacy Benefits Manager and RetailPharmacy Chain offers varied assistance programs. Some are in the form of a drug discount card like this one, others are things like copayment assistance or patient assistance programs for free drugs. The thing is that because of legal/regulatory issues (anti-kickback laws etc.), many of these companies do not promote the programs heavily. Some programs work like this where you just have to sign up get a card, go to the drug store and show it for a discount. Others you have to apply and demonstrate need – like providing household size and income information etc. A good tip though is patients on expensive medications (especially infusions, injectables etc.) should always ask about assistance for compayments, or if uninsured or your insurance won’t cover your drug – possibly free drug. Again some programs require that you demonstrate need, but some programs are as generous as 4 or 5 times the FPL (Federal Poverty Limits). There is a whole industry around compayment assistance etc. – see PSI (Patient Services Inc. I think), NORD (National Organization for Rare Disorders), Healthwell Foundation etc.

#4 jess | July 29th, 2009 at 06:22 pm

Thank you for posting this!
I’ve always wondered who these work. I’ve never signed up for one because I’ve always worried about giving it to the pharmacy to have them look at me like I’m an idiot for believing some print out card would get me a discount, but comment #3 was really helpful!

#5 brenda ray | July 29th, 2009 at 09:13 pm

I have a discount card like the one you described. I use it at walmart all the time. Sometimes it pays others it does not, my pharmisist will tell me when I am better off not using it.

#6 brenda ray | July 29th, 2009 at 09:16 pm

You can also try looking for medicine help sites. I found one for my Mother that helps her get most of her medications for less than $50 every three months. I can not remember the site right now but you r doctor should know of any type of discount that you can get on a medication.

#7 hookas | July 30th, 2009 at 06:01 am

Have recently (no insurance anymore!) used Rite Aid’s free pharmacy card along with one offered by http://www.freedrugcard.us.
Not much difference, but a little.
And many pharmacies everywhere now seem to be offering certain generic drugs at “reduced” regular prices as competition as well as costs have increased.
Whoopee!

#8 Robin | July 30th, 2009 at 07:40 am

This is really legit. I sent for it several months back thinking it may save me a few dollars. I had one prescription that cost me $79.99 and when I used the card it cost me just over $20.00!! I was pleasantly surprised to say the least. I do have insurance but, there are so many things that are no longer covered (sound familiar??) You can send for the card even if you are “underinsured”. Also, if you are on a medicine that your insurance WILL NOT COVER and if it is a financial burden for you to buy it-the Pharmaceutical companies WILL send the medicine to you.(after sending them proof of financial need, ofcourse.) The programs always say they are for the uninsured but they WILL help the underinsured also……. Just thought you’d like to know. Hope this helps someone.

#9 x | July 30th, 2009 at 07:58 am

Has anyone EVER received one of these offers ? I’ve “applied” for somewhere around 40 of these offers over the last 4 months and have YET to receive any of them in the mail !? So im just wondering has anyone ever received anything from this site ?

Thanks
LC

#10 melinda | July 30th, 2009 at 08:26 am

Ive recieved many freebies!!! Do you live at an apartment?? Maybe they wont deliver there or maybe your postman likes your freebie stuff and is keeping em. lol

#11 heather | July 30th, 2009 at 10:06 am

I live in an apartment and I get many freebies. They don’t always arrive right away of course. (I was even able to get the free knife!) Some times I wonder what the postman thinks when he delivers 3 or 4 that arrive at the same time.

#12 Angie | July 30th, 2009 at 01:28 pm

I use a program called Patient Prescription Assistance which is an absolute blessing. Due to the fact I am a diabetic and am currently in school I am not able to afford my insulin, there this program provides it for me at no cost. I have used the Walgreens card in the past which does work and saves you money are certain medications.

#13 Camp Mom | July 30th, 2009 at 02:27 pm

I have a card similar to this. It cut my RX exepnses by almost 70%. I don’t care how the pharmacist looks at me when I show it. As long as I get the discount.

#14 Father/freind | July 30th, 2009 at 05:45 pm

Yeah, I had a very similar experience with this card. It cut almost 50% off of my prescription cost, but the pharmacist gave me a funny look when I tried to use it.

I don’t have any health insurance, so it worked very well. Has it worked for people with health insurance?

#15 LukeAng | July 30th, 2009 at 07:59 pm

I have a card like this (saw it a while back on Montel), and it absolutely works. I printed out cards for myself, my wife, and my son and have saved tons over the years.

#16 rosalee | July 30th, 2009 at 10:33 pm

Yep, it sure does work. I’ve had mine over a year now and it has never been turned down. For a person like me who has no insurance, it certainly helps. I’m able to get from 20 percent up to 40 percent off my prescriptions. No catch, no questions asked. I recommend getting this.

#17 Holly | July 31st, 2009 at 08:17 pm

FYI-County health depts. have a prescription card you do not have to apply for and is not based on financial need -its usually right there on the counter so you just walk in and pick it up-no appointment necessary-if you don’t see it, ask for it and the next time you go to the pharmacy they will record it as your prescription insurance. My mother has medicare but never signed up for the prescription benefit due to the expense, so she uses this. The savings are substantial -she uses Wal-mart pharmacy so between their $4/10 prescriptions and this card her medication needs are met and she stays within her survivial budget.