How much will residents save by using the discount card?
While savings on each prescription may vary, the NLC
Prescription Discount Card Program saves an average of 20
percent off of the pharmacy’s regular retail prices. The savings
are validated monthly and annually.
What if a pharmacy’s price on particular prescription drugs is
lower than the discount card price?
The program uses a “lower-of” pricing schedule so that
residents are never disadvantaged by using the discount card. On
occasion, a participating pharmacy may have a lower price on
particular prescription drugs. If that occurs, residents will
always pay the lowest price.
Who pays the cost of the discount?
Pharmacies in the national discount network agree to
absorb the cost of the discount. The benefit to the pharmacy of
participating in the program is that it creates customer loyalty
and increases store traffic.
Does NLC or Caremark share the personal information of residents
using the discount card?
NLC and Caremark place the highest priority on maintaining
privacy. Very little personal information is collected as there
is no enrollment process for the program. Personally
identifiable data is maintained in accordance with federal
privacy laws. No personal information is given or sold to
manufacturers or direct marketers.
Does NLC or Caremark receive revenue from the program?
Neither NLC nor any participating city receives revenue
for sponsoring the discount card program. Caremark receives a
small processing fee on prescriptions purchased with the
discount card.
Does the program provide a competitive advantage to CVS
Pharmacies?
All major pharmacy chain (Walgreens, Rite Aid, CVS,
Wal-Mart, etc) and most local independent pharmacies, nearly
60,000 pharmacies nationwide, participate in the discount card
network. Residents are not encouraged or incentivized to use CVS
pharmacies over any other chain or independent pharmacy.
Can the discount card be used with other prescription insurance
benefits?
The program is not insurance; it is a prescription
discount program. The card cannot be used to supplement
insurance benefits. The card can be used for prescriptions not
covered by an insurance plan.
More information: Marc Shapiro, Program Director, Enterprise
Programs, National League of Cities, 202.626.3019 or e-mail:
shapiro@nlc.org.
