I try to stay informed about local issues and politics - I scan the Seattle PI website every morning, and look at other sites - but until a few weeks ago, I didn't know about this program. Even when I found out, I didn't want to post anything until I was really sure about it.
If you are a WA or OR resident, you can sign up for a prescription drug discount program that can save you a huge amount on prescription drugs - I saved 78% on one prescription today.
There has to be a catch, right? Go over the fold and look for one - let me know if you find it.
Here's the info (copied from the WA State site - OR should be the same). The websites, where you can sign up, compare drug prices and see if your pharmacy participates are here:
Washington State
Oregon
What is it?
WPDP is a new prescription drug discount program created by the legislature at the request of Governor Gregoire
It is similar to a grocery store club card where discounts are taken off at the point of sale
Who is eligible to join WPDP?
Washington State residents
No age or income restrictions
Each person must enroll individually
Who can benefit from the WPDP discount card?
Washington State residents
People who have a high-deductible health plan such as a Health Savings Account (HSA) may be able to use the WPDP discount card when paying down the deductible (check with your HSA plan for details)
People who have no insurance coverage
People who have medical coverage but no prescription drug benefit
People who have prescription drug coverage through their employer, but it does not cover the drug they need
How much does it cost?
The WPDP is FREE
No annual fee and no hidden costs
How do I enroll in the program?
There are 3 ways to enroll in the program:
Online at www.rx.wa.gov
Call toll-free number of 1-800-913-4146
Mail in a postage-paid, self-addressed enrollment form
FREE Bulk WPDP enrollment forms can be ordered by agencies at www.rx.wa.gov
WPDP enrollment forms come in eight different languages including: Chinese, English, Korean, Punjabi, Russian, Spanish, Tagalog, and Vietnamese
Is it easy to enroll?
Yes! There are just six questions to answer:
Name
Date of birth
Address
Phone number
Gender
How did you hear about the program?
How long will it take to get the discount card once enrolled?
You will receive the I.D. card within two weeks after WPDP receives your enrollment form
If you need to use the discount card urgently and you have not received it yet, you can call customer service at 1-800-913-4311 for your I.D. number and billing information for the pharmacy
What are the savings?
Members of the WPDP can receive discounts up to 60% on generic drugs and up to 20% on brand name drugs
Members can look up discount cost:
Go to www.rx.wa.gov
Select WPDP discount card
Select Check Drug Prices
Enter the drug name for costs on generics, brand and mail order prescriptions
What drugs are covered under the WPDP?
All prescription drugs are eligible for a discount
There is no formulary restrictions or preferred drug list
What pharmacies accept the WPDP Discount Card?
There are over 500 + retail pharmacies in Washington that accept the WPDP Discount Card
To find a participating pharmacy in your area:
Go to www.rx.wa.gov
Select WPDP Discount Card
Select Find a Network Pharmacy
You can search by address, city, zip code or pharmacy name
If you do not live near a participating pharmacy, you can use the mail order service through PPS with FREE shipping for WPDP members
Contact PPS at 1-800-552-6694
Biologics and injectable drugs are available through Diplomat at 1-877-534-7566
[Note: Both Safeway and WalMart accept this, as well as independent pharmacies; if you locate your pharmacy first, the pricing tool will also show that pharmacy's price, however in my case the price shown online was 10% more than what I paid]
If you want some examples, most of last year I paid $51.19 for a 30 day supply of generic doxycycline, except last month, for some reason it was $33. Today at the same pharmacy (Safeway), same manufacturer, it was $11.15 - that alone will save me nearly $500 over last year.
I also take lisinopril - a 3 month supply was $39.99 the last time. The plan price is $12.25. That's another $100 a year savings.
Both of those are generics, but any drug at all is covered, although the discounts are likely much larger for generics.
My apologies if everybody knew about this except me.
If you're a WA or OR doctor or other practitioner, please make sure your patients know about this - many people cut dosages or even skip filling or refilling prescriptions because they can't afford meds.
AFAIK, this doesn't apply to marijuana. Yet.