Ohio Department of Aging
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 22, 2007
COLUMBUS - Since January 2005, eligible Ohioans have been able to access valuable savings at the pharmacy through Ohio's Best Rx prescription drug discount card program. Ohio's Best Rx can lower the cost of prescriptions for Ohioans without drug insurance coverage who are either age 60 and over or any age with incomes under 300 percent of the federal poverty level.
The goal of this program is to improve access to needed medications at a substantial discount and through a wide network of participating pharmacies. Consumers should keep in mind that this is not an insurance program. In January 2006, Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage plans became available to everyone with Medicare. With the addition of Medicare Part D, plus other options such as grocery store $4 scripts, informed shopping is essential to take advantage of all the benefits available.
Ohio's Best Rx is designed to pass on to program participants most of the savings associated with negotiated drug prices and manufacturer rebates. Rather than paying a participating pharmacy's usual charge to an individual with no drug insurance coverage, a Best Rx participant pays the "Best Rx price." The program produces an average discount of 34% on prescription drugs. This does not mean that consumers will always receive the 34% discount. The discount received eventually depends upon the cost of the actual drug.
Consumers may visit Ohio's Best Rx Web site at www.ohiobestrx.org to see if their medications are listed in addition to checking their prices prior to having prescriptions filled at a pharmacy. All pricing information is updated weekly. In the event a consumer suspects that he or she is not receiving the best price for their medication, they should call Ohio's Best Rx customer service line at 1-866-923-7879. Also, consumers should ask their pharmacists for the Best Rx price and the pharmacy's usual price.
Ohio's Best Rx offers discounts on virtually every brand name and generic prescription drug. The size of the discount varies depending on many factors. As with all prescription discount card programs, consumers usually bear the majority of the cost of a prescription. Please be aware that the Best Rx discount drug card may not be used in combination with other discount drug programs to receive multiple discounts.
Programs such as Ohio's Best Rx can be used in the Part D coverage gap. Consumers in the coverage gap continue to receive the negotiated Part D rate, which often is lower than the Best Rx rate. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) states that the negotiated prescription drug discount through a Medicare Part D plan will usually be greater than through a prescription drug discount program. Consumers can check with their plan administrator for drug pricing.
Savvy shopping, combined with the Best Rx card, means that Ohioans will be able to buy their prescriptions at the best possible price. By asking their doctors about generic drugs, by investigating the prices available at wholesale clubs or by mail order and then using the Best Rx card, consumers can realize the most benefits. While not a substitute for insurance, Ohio's Best Rx does provide real savings for most who use it.
It is easy to apply for Ohio's Best Rx. There is no fee to enroll or participate. Ohio's Best Rx applications are available at many pharmacies, community health centers, hospitals and other locations. Individuals may also apply for the program by calling toll-free 1-866-923-7879 or visiting www.ohiobestrx.org.
About ODA
The Ohio Department of Aging provides leadership for the delivery of services and supports that improve and promote quality of life and personal choice for older Ohioans, adults with disabilities, their families and their caregivers. Working with 12 area agencies on aging and other community partners, the department offers home- and community-based Medicaid waiver programs such as PASSPORT, the long-term care ombudsman program, the Golden Buckeye Card and more. Visit www.goldenbuckeye.com.
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Ohio Department of Aging