Press Release: City of Inkster Residents Have Access to Easy-to-Use Prescription Drug Discount Card Launched Today

Contact: Fred Hill, Risk Manager, City of Inkster 313-563-0252
Marc Shapiro-NLC 202-626-3019

In current economic climate, where people are watching their spending, discount card can offer average savings of 20 percent off drug retail prices

City of Inkster today launched a program to help provide residents with some relief from the high cost of prescription drugs. The city is making free prescription drug discount cards available to city residents through a program sponsored by the National League of Cities (NLC). The discount cards offer city residents average savings of 20 percent off the retail price of commonly prescribed drugs that are eligible through this program.

The discount cards may be used by all residents of the City of Inkster and has no restrictions based on the resident’s age, income level, or existing health coverage. The NLC card can be used when purchasing eligible prescription drugs at numerous pharmacies around the city, as well as at more than 59,000 participating retail pharmacies across the country.

"In the current economic climate, where many people are watching what they spend, the City of Inkster is happy to partner with the National League of Cities to make this prescription discount card available for our residents," said Inkster’s Mayor, Hilliard Hampton. This program can make it easier for our residents to afford the drugs they need to deal with a short-term illness or stay healthy by managing a chronic condition."

Cards are available at City Hall, Recreation Center, Library and Police Department at no cost to city residents. The City will also make the cards available at other convenient locations around the city. Consult the city website for these additional locations. City residents can call toll-free 1-888-620-1749 or visit www.caremark.com/nlc for assistance with the program.

"Not only does the NLC prescription discount card help residents save money on their medications, it is easy to use," said Inkster Councilman Courtney Owens, who has been championing this program through his work as a NLC Committee Member. Residents only have to show their card when purchasing medication at one of the many participating pharmacies. There is no enrollment form required to get a card, no membership fee of any kind and city residents and their family members can use the card any time their prescriptions are not covered by insurance."

The discount card program is administered by CVS Caremark.

About The National League of Cities

The National League of Cities (NLC) is the nation’s oldest and largest organization devoted to strengthening and promoting cities as centers of opportunity, leadership and governance. NLC is a resource and advocate for 19,000 cities, towns and villages, representing more than 218 million Americans. To learn more about NLC, go to www.nlc.org.

City of Inkster National League of Cities (NLC) Prescription Discount Card Media Fact Sheet

What the Prescription Discount Card is:

The NLC prescription discount card is designed to help residents save money on prescriptions that are not covered by insurance. The program is offered in collaboration with the National League of Cities through their member cities. The program is not insurance.

Who it is for:

The card is offered to all city residents, there are no age or income restrictions. There are no restrictions and no limits on how many times individuals can use the card. One card can be used by all family members.

Savings:

While savings may vary by drug and by pharmacy, the NLC prescription discount card program provides average savings of 20%. Residents will pay the negotiated discount price offered through the program or the pharmacy’s retail price whichever is lower.

What the program costs:

The card is FREE. There is no cost to the city or to the residents to use the card. There are no enrollment fees and no membership fees. Residents just pay the prescription cost less any applicable discounts.

How residents access the program:

There is no waiting period. City residents simply present their card at a participating pharmacy. More than 59,000 pharmacies nationwide participate in the program, including the major chains as well as many independent pharmacies.

Additional features:

A dedicated toll-free number is provided for resident’s to access CVS Caremark’s award winning customer care and a program Web site is available for residents to access program tools and information.

About CVS Caremark

The NLC prescription discount card is administered by CVS Caremark the largest provider of prescriptions and related health care services in the nation. CVS Caremark has administered prescription discount programs since 1992.

This is not insurance. Savings are only available at participating pharmacies. Savings may vary by drug and by pharmacy. By using this card, residents agree to pay the entire prescription cost less any applicable discount.