GULF SHORES, Ala. — According to some local pharmacies, utilization of the new prescription discount card made available through the city of Gulf Shores has been varied.
On May 30, the city began a new program offering savings on prescription …
This item is available in full to subscribers.
Please log in to continue |
GULF SHORES, Ala. — According to some local pharmacies, utilization of the new prescription discount card made available through the city of Gulf Shores has been varied.
On May 30, the city began a new program offering savings on prescription drugs to residents who are without health insurance, a traditional benefits plan, or have prescriptions that are not covered by insurance.
The discount card was made available to residents by the city in collaboration with the National League of Cities and made possible through the city’s membership in NLC.
Free to all city of Gulf Shores residents, regardless of their age, income or existing health insurance status, the card offers savings of up to 20 percent off of the regular retail price of prescription drugs at participating pharmacies.
According to a report, 25 prescriptions had been filled in June, which produced a total savings of $449.81. That came out to an average prescription savings of nearly $18.
Some of those pharmacies, however, are reporting that up until now, the card is rarely being used.
Rite Aid Pharmacy in Gulf Shores has not had many patrons use the new discount card.
“We have not seen too many people use the card, but there have been a few,” said pharmacy tech Rachel Warren on Monday.
It was the same story at Walgreens on Gulf Shores Parkway Monday morning.
“To be honest with you, I have not seen anyone use the card,” pharmacist Jessica Baggett said.
But Sandra Hegwood, a pharmacy tech at Gulf Shores Pharmacy on Clubhouse Drive has seen a good number of customers bring in the discount card.
“Yes, we have a lot of people using the card,” Hegwood said.
The cards are available through City Hall or can be picked up at the Thomas B. Norton Public Library.
The plan is not insurance, but is a prescription discount program, providing immediate discounts at pharmacies such as Walgreens, CVS, Wal-Mart and Rite Aid.
Other pharmacies in the area that recognize the card include Medi-Stat RX in Gulf Shores, Target Pharmacy, Publix Pharmacy in Orange Beach and Winn-Dixie Pharmacy in Foley.
