YourRxCard.com: Four-Dollar Prescription Deals Won't Close the Drug Cost Gap
“The idea of these four-dollar prescription plans sounds great and we congratulate the major pharmacy distributors for their initial efforts,” notes Rex Bowden, Jr., Chief Risk Officer with www.YourRxCard.com. “Unfortunately, experts agree that the reality isn't quite as rosy as the ads might make it seem.”
(PRWEB) March 20, 2007 -- With major retailers like Wal-Mart and Target initiating and advertising $4 prescription programs heavily, one might think those in the “prescription cost gap” won't need to worry as much about drug prices.
“The idea of these four-dollar prescription plans sounds great and we congratulate the major pharmacy distributors for their initial efforts,” notes Rex Bowden, Jr., Chief Risk Officer with www.YourRxCard.com. “Unfortunately, experts agree that the reality isn't quite as rosy as the ads might make it seem.”
Experts have noted that the list of drugs covered in the four-dollar-pricing programs is limited and that claims of “over 300” medications are overstated. University of Minnesota pharmacy professor Stephen Schondelmeyer calculated that the Wal-Mart protocol only covered about 140 different medications, although it did cover different dosages for many of them, which accounts for the larger announced numbers.
Additionally, many of the medications covered by the $4 plans are so-called “old dog” generics that physicians rarely prescribe today. Schondelmeyer claims that the generics covered by these plans account for less than two percent of all prescriptions written.
Although those who are taking medications on the four-dollar lists may be saving money, it would appear as if most (98%) in the “prescription cost gap” are no better off than they were before Wal-Mart unveiled the first of the big four-dollar programs.
“If you are uninsured or underinsured and need prescription cost help, you can't rely on just the four-dollar offers. In most cases, you're pills won't be on the list,” argues Bowden. “If you're one of the millions of Americans who find themselves in the 'prescription cost gap,' you're going to have to look elsewhere to help manage your expenses.”
Bowden recommends smart comparison-shopping and the use of repeat coupon discount prescription drug cards as a way of battling medication costs. His company, YourRxCard.com, offers a free repeat discount prescription coupon card that produces savings as high as seventy-five percent on over 20,000 prescriptions. Consumers can use the card at 56,000 pharmacies, including those at Wal-Mart and Target. YourRxCard’s contracts with Pharmacy’s guarantees the consumer the lower of the Pharmacy price or YourRxCard’s discounted price, whichever may be lowest. The consumer always wins with us.
“If you're struggling to find a way to meet prescription costs or are simply interested in holding down your expenses,” Bowden maintains, “a discount card is far more likely to help you than a retailer's discount prescription list.”
“Pharmacists and distributors can help more consumers by partnering with our company and offering prescription discounts,” Bowden states. “The $4 approach is a great start, but there’s still substantial room for improvement.”
Contact:
Rex Bowden
YourRxCard.com
225-266-7941
www.YourRxCard.com
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