May 11, 2011
The city of Phoenix/Coast2Coast Rx Prescription Drug Discount Card Program has been a major success so far. Since the program kicked off in November 2010, people utilizing the free card have saved more than $714,000 – an average of more than 57 percent off retail prices.
“The city’s partnership with Coast2CoastRx is a great example of working with businesses on programs to help our residents,” said Councilman Bill Gates, who chairs the City Council Finance, Efficiency and Innovation Subcommittee and represents District 3. “This program has saved people hundreds of thousands of dollars in just a short period of time and we are expecting continued growth as more people hear about it.”
The Phoenix Coast2Coast Rx card allows anyone, regardless of income, age or health status, to participate in the program and save on the cost of medications. Even pets and family members living outside of Phoenix can participate. The Rx card is free and may be used at almost all pharmacies around the nation. It includes more than 60,000 drugs in its formulary.
“There are so many families who need help with medical costs,” said District 7 Councilman Michael Nowakowski. “We’re working to let people know the card is easy to get, it’s free and everyone can use it.”
The Coast2CoastRx card is available at city of Phoenix libraries, community centers, public golf courses, senior centers and customer service counters. Residents also can print a free card at coast2coastrx.com/phoenix; text the words “card” or “tarjeta” to 57682 and receive an electronic card via text message; or call 1-800-931-8872 for the Coast2CoastRx member services phone line. It is a discount card, as opposed to an insurance plan, and is especially helpful to uninsured or underinsured residents, seniors in the Medicare “donut hole,” or people with no prescription coverage or high deductibles.
The program already has generated more than $18,000 for city programs and services, with a forecast of $100,000 for next fiscal year as usage increases. No tax dollars are used to support the program. New partners are the Phoenix Union High School District, Paradise Valley Unified School District and Washington Elementary School District. All are making cards available for families at their schools.
The prescription drug discount card program is a business partnership through the city of Phoenix Marketing Partnership Program. Program goals are to develop mutually beneficial business partnerships and to generate revenue for city of Phoenix programs and services. For more information, visit phoenix.gov/bizpartners.
Media Contact:
| Jon Brodsky | 602-261-8980 |