Cass Politics

Harrisonville, Missouri – The Cass County Commission received data from NACo (National Association of Counties) that citizens are benefiting from the NACo Prescription Discount Drug Card program.

Cass County is participating in this program as a member of NACo. A report has been released that shows that Cass County residents who used the NACo Prescription Card saved $41,502.18 with 2012 citizens utilizing the card. The data calculated savings from November of 2009 to March 2009.

“It is truly amazing that in five months, we have seen citizens save $41,500+ on prescription drug costs,” stated Presiding Commissioner Gary Mallory. “This costs the county no dollars and gives the consumer a choice when it comes to shopping for prescription drugs. This is simply about putting people first.”

There is no cost to the county, county tax-payers or consumers to participate. CVS Caremark negotiates the discounts directly with participating pharmacies. Neither NACo nor the participating counties receive any revenue from the program.

The National Association of Counties contracted with CVS Caremark to provide a prescription discount card for member counties to offer to their uninsured and underinsured residents.  This made it possible for residents of Cass County to save dollars on prescription drug costs. The program provides savings by passing along the CVS Caremark negotiated discount rates to individuals with little or no prescription benefit coverage. The program offers real value, a large national pharmacy network, and excellent customer support.

The NACo card can help residents save an average of 22% of the full retail cost of prescription medication. There are no enrollment fees, no form to fill out, no age or income requirements and no medical condition restrictions. The entire family is covered with just one card and virtually all commonly prescribed medicine is covered. Citizens will save…
·         An average of 22% compared to regular retail prices;
·         An average of 14% off brand-name medicine and an average savings of 30% off generic medicine compared to regular retail prices;
·         An average of 22% and an average of savings of 50% on select generics through mail service.
Cass County would remind citizens that the NACo Prescription Discount Drug Card program is NOT insurance and that discounts are only available at participating pharmacies. NACo does state that on average, 9 out of 10 pharmacies participate in the program.

Associate Commissioner Brian Baker is hoping more citizens will see the benefit of using the NACo Prescription Discount Drug Card. “In these tough economic times, as people are facing job loss or maybe a reduction in benefits, we have a way for them to afford medicine,” stated Baker. “You look at single moms or senior citizens who may be struggling right now and we give them another choice when looking for care.”

Baker noted that the NACo Prescription Discount Drug Cards are available at nearly every pharmacy in Cass County and they are available at the Cass County Courthouse.

The discount cards are provided free to residents living in participating NACo member counties across the country. A national network of more than 59,000 retail pharmacies honors the card.

On occasion, pharmacies will price a particular medication lower than the discount rate available with the NACo card. If that occurs, consumers will receive the lower price. Either way, consumers will always receive the best price available.

If you have further questions about the program, contact the Cass County Commission at 816-380-8155.