Earlier this year, the city unveiled the Big Apple RX prescription discount card, which allows city residents to receive significant discounts on medicine at participating pharmacies.
Now, Queens Borough President Helen Marshall is urging everyone to participate in the program, which is open to anyone living in, working in or visiting the city. No personal information or enrollment is required to get a card, which can be used by the entire family.
“This card is a real service that can help many prescription drug users,” said Marshall.
In a presentation at the borough’s monthly cabinet meeting last week, Joseph Chiera, regional vice president for Discount Healthcare, part of HealthTrans Access, which is affiliated with the card, stressed the importance of getting the word out about the card.
“There are a lot of people here in Queens that we can help,” Chiera said.
The discount cards have been delivered to senior centers in all five boroughs and 90 percent of pharmacies in the city are already participating in the program.
The card cannot be used in combination with any other discount card or other insurance. However, it can be used to get medication that insurance does not cover. Program administrators noted that the discount card could be a much-needed benefit for uninsured and unemployed residents.
HealthTrans representatives said that individuals with drug insurance should check with their insurer whether their cash receipts from using the card can be used to meet a plan deductible to assess the benefit of using the card. The company stressed that the card can be used for all medications, and for savings on over-the-counter medications, including smoking cessation aids and diabetic supplies as long as a customer has a valid prescription.
Anyone who wants a card can call 311 or 800-697-6974 and ask for a Big Apple RX discount card or go online to BigAppleRx.com.
