NY Offers Free Prescription Drug Discount Card

With unemployment and the cost of healthcare on the rise, New Yorkers are looking for some relief.  I am pleased to inform you of a new program for lower income New York residents. The New York Prescription $aver (NYP$) is a FREE prescription discount card that will help save on the cost of prescription drugs.

The card, which is designed for lower income individuals who are 50 to 64 years old or persons with a disability regardless of age, can lower the cost of prescriptions by as much as 60 percent on generic drugs and 30 percent on brand name drugs. These cost savings are provided through the generous cooperation and support of local pharmacies and some pharmaceutical manufacturers.

More than 3,700 pharmacies are participating in the program, and most outpatient prescription drugs are eligible for the discount. In addition, the card is simple and easy to use. The prices of prescription drugs are reduced by a cash discount right at the pharmacy counter.

In order to be eligible for the discount card, applicants must reside in New York State and their annual income must be less than $35,000 for singles and less than $50,000 (joint income) for married individuals.  In addition, applicants must be between the ages of 50 and 64 or determined disabled by the Social Security Administration. Those with Medicaid coverage are not eligible.  

Each family member who would like to receive this benefit must submit a separate application, and each person that is approved will be provided with his or her own pharmacy discount card.

If you are eligible, I would like to encourage you to apply for this wonderful program. To do so, please visit the New York Prescription $aver website at http://nyprescriptionsaver.fhsc.com or call the toll-free Helpline at 1-800-788-6971. By visiting the website you can also find information on the pricing of drugs, as well as a list of participating pharmacies. You can also check with your local pharmacists for more details.