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Help is on the Way

Prescription drugs have revolutionized the practice of medicine, saved lives and prevented hospital stay — not to mention improving the quality of life for many people of all ages.

However, spending on prescription drugs is rising dramatically. Last year saw a 17% increase. According to the Wall Street Journal, the average price for Vioxx (an arthritis medication) is $71.56. The cholesterol reducer Lipitor averages $84.96 and Prilosec, which fights ulcers, $143.68. Sales for Prilosec alone exceeded $4.5 billion in 2001.

For the millions of Medicare enrollees without any prescription drug coverage, these and other drugs are unaffordable.

But help is on the way for as many as 11 million older Americans. Four major drug manufactures have announced Senior Drug Discount Programs. Chart 1 provides a summary of the various programs. Enrollment in these programs is free and savings are substantial. (Click here to see Chart 1.)

Even better news is the "Together Rx™ Card."

These cards should not be confused with other discount cards that charge a fee to obtain.

The Together Rx™ Card is free card will provide discounts of 20 to 40 percent, and in some cases more, off the price normally paid. The Card will be available this June to Medicare enrollees without prescription drug coverage and with incomes up to $28,000 ($38,000 for couples).

In addition, during the enrollment process, individuals of more limited income who meet eligibility requirements for patient assistance programs (PAP) provided by individual companies or foundations will be notified they may qualify for further savings — and in some cases free medications.

According to the program announcement, Wal-Mart, Rite Aid, Walgreens, Target, Kroger and Safeway have shown strong support for the Together Rx Card. The card is being sponsored by seven major pharmaceutical companies and will cover over 150 widely prescribed medicines. Other manufactures are encouraged to join.

Several aging advocates and organizations heralded the announcement. “This is a valuable program-the best yet in its convenience and breadth of medicines,” said James Firman, President and CEO of The National Council on the Aging (NCOA). “NCOA will work to promote broad public awareness of this program through its websites and its national network of thousands of community service organizations.”

“Americans are becoming older and living longer, ushering in a 'longevity revolution.' I regard Together Rx as a very significant interim step until we have a larger government and/or public-private solution,” said Robert Butler, M.D., professor of Geriatrics at Mt. Sinai School of Medicine in New York and President and CEO of the International Longevity Center. “Simplicity and savings are now matched with the broadest selection of important prescription medicines, making the Together Rx Card the best option to date for Americans trying to maintain their health and independence as they grow older.”

Health & Human Services Secretary Tommy G. Thompson called the card a “tremendous new initiative,” adding, “The Together Rx Card will make life-saving medicines more affordable for millions of seniors and is a testimony to the way the private sector effectively and creatively addresses the needs of consumers and patients throughout the country.”

A dissenting voice came from Ron Pollack, head of Families USA, “'The drug companies' joint discount program is the clearest admission to date from the industry that prescription drug costs are unaffordable for many millions of seniors. As seniors learn what the General Accounting Office has already found — namely, that private drug discount card programs typically result in merely 10 percent, not 20 to 40 percent, savings — seniors' demands for a prescription drug benefit in Medicare will continue to intensify.”

The card is not perfect. It does not cover all prescription drugs. Because it is based on Medicare eligibility, most under age 65 won't qualify. It is a voluntary program and as the application states, “Participating companies select which of their products to include and independently determine their own discounts…The participating companies reserve the right to rescind, revoke, or amend the Together Rx Card and the savings offered at any time.”

Despite limitations, those with no coverage will likely welcome the card with open arms. To apply for the card call 1-800-865-7211 or visit the Together Rx™ Card web site.