Georgia Drug Card Media Center

(Atlanta, GA) – Program officials have confirmed that they will announce the official launch of the free statewide prescription assistance program at a news conference tomorrow in Atlanta.

Georgia Drug Card is being launched to help the uninsured residents of Georgia afford their prescription medications.

Georgians can obtain prescription cards at various hospitals, clinics, and other card distribution sites that are being set up across Georgia. The Medical Association of Georgia (MAG) is working with the program to create additional locations. The cards are accepted at more than 50,000 pharmacies across the country. Anyone interested in learning more can visit www.georgiadrugcard.com.

The program is being touted as the answer for Georgia residents that find it difficult to navigate the confusing maze of prescription programs that have appeared in recent years. Georgia Drug Card is open to anyone living or working in Georgia regardless of age or income.

(Atlanta, GA) – Georgia residents now have access to a free prescription assistance program. The statewide prescription drug card program, called Georgia Drug Card, is scheduled to officially commence today. Georgia Drug Card is being launched to help the uninsured and underinsured residents of Georgia gain access to significant savings on prescription medications.

Georgia residents can download a "FREE" card, search drug pricing, and locate participating pharmacies by visiting www.georgiadrugcard.com. Residents can also obtain cards at various health centers, hospitals, clinics, businesses, and other card distribution sites that are being set up across the state. The cards are accepted at more than 50,000 pharmacies across the country. Anyone not able to access the website, or otherwise obtain a member card, can visit any CVS/pharmacy in Georgia to have their prescription processed through the program.

"This program is going to be an important tool to help the residents of Georgia offset the rising costs of prescription medications," states Georgia Drug Card Asst. V.P., John Cenerazzo. "The launch of this program couldn't have come at a better time as the struggling U.S. economy continues to leave more and more people without jobs and benefits."

The program has already received support from organizations like The Medical Association of Georgia (MAG). MAG President Gary C. Richet, M.D. says "The Georgia Drug Card is ideal for people that either don't have health insurance or who have health insurance coverage with no prescription drug benefits," Dr. Richter says, adding, "And that's fairly commonplace with a lot of today's health savings accounts and other high-deductible health plans. We see this as a simple and cost-effective way to help our patients get the prescriptions they need." MAG was formed in 1849 and with more than 5,000 members is the leading organization for physicians in Georgia.

Georgia Drug Card is a simple solution to the confusing maze of discount programs that have appeared in recent years. Many of these programs only cover certain drugs, charge fees, and some have membership restrictions such as age and income requirements. Georgia Drug Card is open to all residents and is easy to use. Furthermore, this program is also open to anyone currently working for Georgia based companies even if they are located out of State.

The residents of Georgia will soon find that getting help to lower their prescription drug costs can be found right around the corner. Program officials announced that the Medical Association of Georgia (MAG), Georgia Rural Health Association (GRHA) and Georgia State Medical Association, Inc. have officially agreed to expand card distribution sites for Georgia's free statewide prescription assistance program.

Together, Georgia Drug Card, MAG, GRHA and Georgia State Medical Association, Inc. are currently educating all clinics, hospitals, county health departments and urgent care clinics throughout the State about the program. Additionally, Georgia Drug Card is working with over 87% of the hospitals in Georgia to help case managers and social workers to provide uninsured and underinsured patients with affordable prescription medications.

Georgia Drug Card, which is open to all Georgia residents, is a prescription assistance program that provides savings of up to 75% on prescription drugs at most retail pharmacy locations. The program was launched in July 2010 and has already saved Georgia residents millions of dollars on their prescription medications.

"The best thing about the Georgia Drug Card is that it's free and saves those who don't have health insurance money on their prescriptions. It is hassle free and accepted at most major pharmacies, states Matt Caseman, Executive Director of GRHA. "The Georgia Rural Health Association is proud to partner with Georgia Drug Card, which should be commended for the great service they are providing our state."

Georgians can get a free prescription drug card by visiting one of the many card distribution sites around the state or by downloading a free card at www.GeorgiaDrugCard.com. Anyone not able to access the website, or otherwise obtain a member card, can visit any CVS/pharmacy location in Georgia. Simply ask the pharmacy to process your prescription through the Georgia Drug Card.

(Atlanta, GA) – RxResource.org announced today that Georgia Drug Card has been voted “The 2011 Best Rx Assistance Program in Georgia”. Programs were rated by industry professionals across the following categories: Program Access, Program Benefits, Customer Support, Prescription Formulary List, Rx Discounts, and Network Coverage. Launched in July 2010, the program has saved Georgians more than $22 million on their prescription drugs.

(Augusta, GA) – You don't need much to qualify for a new prescription discount card. If you live in Georgia, just a name and an email address.

Just print the card and you have it. You can even compare prices of your prescriptions at local pharmacies.

"It's free to all residents. It covers all medications. It discounts as high as 75 percent," says spokesman John Cenezarro.

The average savings is 30 percent. The discount is funded by some pharmacies and pharmaceutical companies.

"You're going to pay the lowest price for that prescription medication, whatever the lowest price is for the pharmacy, that's what you're going to pay," he said.

That's for all kinds of prescriptions, including those not covered by insurance. The card is geared toward the uninsured and under-insured.

"Even if you can't find a use for the prescription side on the back of the card, you can find use for all the additional savings that are attached to the program," Cenezarro adds.

That includes smoking cessation drugs, eyeglasses, even teeth whitening, vitamins, and diabetic supplies.

But some pharmacists are skeptical, saying they're already offering drugs at lower prices than you can get with the card. It's not the only card of its kind out there. And as of today, not all pharmacies know about it.

Said Cenezarro: "I think there's 1,400 pharmacies in Georgia. That's a lot of pharmacies for one person to visit."

In 2003, the Government Accountability Office found that savings depends on the pharmacy you go to and the type of card used. That study found savings between 2 and 21 dollars per prescription for people who have Medicare only.

If you want to check pricing per person, per pharmacy, you actually have to fill the prescription.

Starting Wednesday, Georgians can begin downloading a new discount prescription drug card. The Georgia Drug Card is free and can be used at 60,000 pharmacies nationwide for both brand name and generic drugs.

There are no enrollment forms, no restrictions and no age or income requirements. The card can be downloaded online. To download the card click here.

(Atlanta) – Georgia residents can now get discounts on prescription medications thanks to the new Georgia Drug Card. It's free, downloadable, and requires no enrollment forms. WABE's Martha Dalton has more.

John Cenerazzo is the Assistant Vice President for Development of the Georgia Drug Card. He says anyone can use it:

"It is launched for the uninsured, underinsured, and also to help residents of Georgia that have insurance, but have medications that aren't covered by insurance companies."

Cenerazzo says unlike some other programs, there are no age or income requirements. And he says on average, patients will save about 30 on prescription costs.

Spokesman Brian Oliver says tax payers aren't footing the bill for the plan.

"The program is completely funded through the pharmacies and pharmaceutical companies."

Oliver says it's easy to get a card. You can download one from their website at: georgiadrugcard.com. If you don't have Internet access, he says, they're also available at medical clinics and hospitals.

Georgians can begin downloading a new discount prescription drug card which guarantees the lowest cost on prescriptions for the entire family. The Georgia Prescription Assistance Discount Drug Card Program was launched yesterday.

The card is free and can be used at 60,000 pharmacies nationwide for both brand name and generic drugs. There are no enrollment forms, no restrictions and no age or income requirements. All people living in Georgia can apply. Just log on the website and download a card at www.georgiadrugcard.com.

DeKalb residents can now join other Georgians in free participation in a new program which gives access to the lowest prices possible for prescriptions.

Pharmacies began offering the statewide prescription drug card program, titled Georgia Drug Card, on July 14. The program has given state residents savings from 30 to 75 percent, said Brian Oliver, senior vice president of program administrator United Networks of America.

More than 104,000 users have seen $1.4 million in savings since the program was introduced in its "soft launch" phase on Oct. 1, said Ryan Jumonville, president and CEO of United Networks of America.

The Georgia program has proven more popular than the other 39 states it is available, he said.

"We have had a lot of support from the physician community," Jumonville said.

The program provides cardholders the lowest plan price on prescriptions at participating pharmacies. Medication pricing and discounts are calculated on the plans' lowest negotiated contract price and the pharmacy's "usual and customary" price.

Medical Association of Georgia is a key supporter, he said.

Medical Association of Georgia President Gary C. Richter, M.D., said the Georgia Drug Card is ideal for people who either don't have health insurance or have health insurance coverage with no prescription drug benefits.

"And that's fairly commonplace with a lot of today's health savings accounts and other high-deductible health plans," Richter said in a prepared release. "We see this as a simple and cost-effective way to help our patients get the prescriptions they need."

The card is accepted at more than 50,000 pharmacies nationwide. It is sponsored by pharmacies nationwide.

Most major pharmacies offer the program. Participants can go online, visit www.georgiadrugcard.com, and download the card, search drug pricing, and locate participating pharmacies.

Those who choose not to use a computer to access the program can obtain cards at most major pharmacy chains and hospitals. Even without a card, participants can go to any CVS pharmacy and their prescription will be processed through the program on request.

Information: visit www.georgiadrugcard.com.

MAG members are being reminded that uninsured and underinsured patients can take advantage of the Georgia Drug Card. The free program allows Georgia residents to receive prescription discounts that average 32 percent below the cost of both brand and generic medications.

The Georgia Drug Card is pre-activated - so it is ready to use, and it's accepted at over 60,000 pharmacies around the country. There are no age or income requirements or enrollment forms to complete. E-mail John Cenerazzo at johnc@georgiadrugcard.com or go to www.georgiadrugcard.com to obtain the Georgia Drug Card.