United Way Helps Families Cover the High Cost of Prescriptions

Wichita Falls, TX (July 27, 2009) - Adequate healthcare in America continues to be a daily struggle. Over 45 million American citizens are uninsured, and even more are under-insured. Nearly one in five residents in North Texas struggle to pay for prescriptions due to continually rising costs. Even more alarming, and potentially life-threatening is the fact that many in our community are choosing to simply not fill their prescriptions or to take partial doses to save money.

“The North Texas Area United Way recognizes how vitally important the health of our community is. Improving and promoting health and self-sufficiency continues to be a primary focus of United Way,” stated Dr. Susan Sportsman, Midwestern State University. “That’s why we are so excited about this prescription drug discount program. These discount cards are provided free of charge to everyone in our community and there is no enrollment form, paperwork, or fee.”

This free program is available to everyone, whether you are insured, uninsured, or participate in Medicaid or Medicare. There are no age or income restrictions. When you present the card at your local pharmacy, you will be charged the lowest cost available—whether that is through insurance, the FamilyWize program or the store’s promotional price. United Way’s FamilyWize program can also help with drugs that are excluded from your insurance, family members who are not covered, or even purchases made during a deductible period.

Participating is easy. Over 25 local pharmacies have point of purchase displays with free cards you can pick-up at the checkout. Ask for the cards if you don’t see them. Cards are also available at many local social service agencies in North Texas and online at www.ntauw.org. Using a copy of the card is also acceptable.

On average, you can expect to see savings of 33% per prescription (for those with no insurance coverage). There is additional information on the program’s website at www.familywize.org, such as a tool to look up drug prices, participating pharmacies and to print additional cards for family, friends and co-workers.

The North Texas Area United Way has joined more than 675 United Ways in all 50 states to save people over $25 million in the next year. In North Texas alone, we estimate the savings to be over $15,000 in less than a year.

For additional information, contact Jason Brewer at (940) 322-8638 or visit our website at www.ntauw.org .