Ohio Drug Card Media Center
Ex Mayor Launches New Prescription Drug Card
Former Mayor Greg Lashutka unveiled a free prescription drug card program this week that he said will deliver additional savings to central Ohioans.
The program is aimed at helping people of any age deal with climbing health insurance premiums, 10TV's Tanisha Mallett reported.
From 2001 to 2005, healthcare premiums shot up more than $2,700 for Ohioans, Mallett reported.
The new program, called the Ohio Drug Card, allows users to sign up online and have printable membership cards e-mailed to them. The card can be used immediately.
Unlike other discount prescription cards, the program is open to anyone in the state - regardless of age, income, or insurance status, Mallett reported.
Program director Greg Lashutka said the Ohio Drug Card is a national program that can offer members deeper discounts.
"We are working with a couple of providers who are pharmaceutical purchasers and they are negotiating good prices at the best levels they can to pass along to customers around the entire country," Lashutka said. "Now, Ohio has it available through Ohio Drug Card."
According to the Ohio Drug Card Web site, the card can provide members with savings up to 75 percent at 50,000 national and regional pharmacies, including Walgreens, CVS and Meijer.
The Web site also said the card can be used at thousands of independent pharmacies.
While the card may appeal to people looking to save money on prescriptions, Scott Podolan, with County Line Pharmacy, said he and other independent pharmacists will lose out.
"Most discount cards nowadays don't pay any portion of the prescription," Podolan said. "They just give you a decent price on it which I feel a lot of independent pharmacies already offer."
Watch 10TV News and refresh 10TV.com for additional information.
Ohio Drug Card Program to Launch Monday
(Columbus, OH) – A program called the Ohio Drug Card is distributing free discount prescription drug cards to residents of Ohio for a program beginning Monday.
The program has no restrictions on membership, such as income or age, a news release said. Ohio Drug Card reports savings can range from 30 percent to 75 percent at more than 50,000 national and regional pharmacies, including Kmart Pharmacy, Rite Aid, Walgreens, CVS/pharmacy, Meijer, Discount Drug Mart, Marc's Pharmacy.
A pharmacist at the Austintown Kmart confirmed that the program begins Monday and said it provides savings similar to other drug discount programs that reduce prescription costs. Kmart has a program that charges $15 for a 90-day supply of many generic drugs, and some other programs charge $4 for a 30-day supply, she noted.
To participate in the program, download a free prescription card at www.ohiodrugcard.com or visit a Kmart pharmacy.
The Ohio Drug Card Program was launched to help the uninsured and underinsured citizens of Ohio afford their prescription medications, Ohio Drug Card reports.
Greg Lashutka, the former mayor of Columbus, is program director for the Ohio Drug Card. Lashutka, mayor from 1992 through 1999, was also senior vice president of corporate relations for Nationwide Insurance from 2000 to 2007.
"This program can help every resident of Ohio. We are calling on hospitals, clinics, associations and organizations to create public awareness for the program and to make this program available to our citizens," said Lashutka. "This program is just what the people of Ohio needed to help them manage rising insurance and medical expenses."
The Web site also allows a person to search for drug pricing and participating pharmacies.
United Networks of America Ohio Drug Card Became Miracle Makers for Akron Children's Hospital
On February 9, 2017 the third floor atrium of Akron Children’s Hospital became a world of magic for three straight days during their annual Radiothon event. Balloon bouquets, columns and arches created a festive environment, completed with a craft table, raffle gifts, and a photo booth for all. Phone banks buzzed with activity. Cow bells shook in the air with celebratory cheers for each pledged donation. Change Bandits arrived, challenged with carrying various cases of change – each weighing them down.
United Networks of America regional representative, Leigh Smallfield was also actively engaged in the event, representing the Ohio Drug Card program. Joining forces with Change Bandits, phone bank pledges and more, the Ohio Drug Card program presented a check for $1660.30 to Akron Children’s Hospital, contributing to a final total of over $550,000 raised during 36-hours.
“I grew up a ‘tomboy’ – playing just as hard and reckless as my brothers did,” says Smallfield. “As a result, I made several trips to Akron Children’s for stitches or some other physical ailment. I am now a mother of three. I have relied on and trusted Children’s through RSV, severe childhood asthma, permanent deafness, surgeries, concussions, broken bones, sprains, viruses with overnight stays, as well as behavior and development issues. Children’s has always met or exceeded expectations and continues to provide the best care for my babies. As a token of my gratitude to have such a pillar of support who I trust with health and well-being of my three children, I provide my support in turn. It’s an honor to not only gift the Ohio Drug Card programs prescription savings to families, but also contribute helping Ohio communities get the care they need and the comfort they deserve in unfortunate circumstances.”
United Networks of America, is one of the largest providers of value-added managed care products and services in the country. Funds are raised through the UNA RX Card program. More information about UNA and the Ohio Drug Card can be found here.
New Drug Card Begins
The Ohio Drug Card becomes available today to any Ohio resident, regardless of age or income.
The card allows savings of up to 75 percent on some prescriptions, although the average savings probably will be about 30 percent.
"The Ohio Drug Card will help the uninsured or under-insured people of Ohio afford their prescription medications," said Steve Jarvis, spokesman for the program.
Greg Lashutka, former mayor of Columbus who was co-captain of the 1965 Ohio State football team under Coach Woody Hayes, is program director.
The card is easy to get. No application is necessary. Simply log on to www.ohiodrugcard.com and download a copy of the card.
A complete list of the prescriptions as well as the discounted price also can be found on the Web site by clicking on the "medication pricing" link.
Anyone who can't access the Web site, or otherwise obtain a card, can visit any Kmart pharmacy in Ohio. It will process their prescription through the Ohio Drug Card program even though they don't have a member card.
"This program is just what the people of Ohio needed to help them manage rising insurance and medical expenses," Lashutka said in a prepared statement. "We're calling on hospitals, clinics, associations and organizations to create public awareness for the program and to make it available to all citizens."
Participating pharmacies also include Rite Aid, Walgreens, CVS, Meijer, Discount Drug Mart, Marc's Pharmacy, as well as thousands of independent pharmacies.
The program can be used by people who have health insurance coverage with no prescription benefits.
The program is funded by pharmacies and pharmaceutical companies.
Ohio Introduces Disscount Drug Card
(Cincinnati, OH) – With increases in food and fuel costs hurting Americans' budgets, the high prices of medications don't make life any easier. Ohio residents, however, can save anywhere from 15 to 51 percent or more on prescriptions through the Ohio Drug Card program.
Major savings include the leukemia drug Gleevec, normally more than $1,100 for a 30-day supply, but $561.67 with the card. Cards can be obtained at Kmart stores around Ohio or from the Web site www.ohiodrugcard.com.
The Ohio Drug Card program gives Ohioans discounts on drugs at major drug store chains and many independent pharmacies. The program is offered by United Networks of America, a provider of value-added managed-care products. UNA offers similar cards around the country through its UNA Rx Card program.
Discount Drug Card
A new statewide prescription drug discount program is now available to help Ohioans save money on their medications.
It's called the Ohio Drug Card program and it's available to any Ohio resident regardless of age or income.
The goal of the program is to help the uninsured and the under-insured in the state.
Whether you have insurance with high deductibles or if you don't have insurance at all the new discount card could help you balance your budget between fuel, food and health care.
It's easy to sign up for. Just go to www.OhioDrugCard.com. Type in your name and email, click a button, and your card appears.
Ohio Provides Free Prescription Drug Cards
(Green, OH) – Good news was recently announced for all Ohioans. The Ohio Drug Card Program will now distribute "FREE" discount prescription drug cards to residents of Ohio. Everyone is eligible to participate in the program. There are no age restrictions, no income restrictions and no applications to fill out.
The prescription savings average about 30 percent and can range up to 75 percent. The rest of the good news is that the cards are good at more than 50,000 national and regional pharmacies. Those participating pharmacies include Kmart Pharmacy, Rite Aid, Walgreens, CVS Pharmacy, Meijer, Discount Drug Mart, Marc's Pharmacy, as well as thousands of independent pharmacies.
The Ohio Drug Card Program is intended to help many people in many different situations. It will help the uninsured and underinsured citizens of Ohio afford their prescription medications. It will also be used by people who have health insurance coverage with no prescription benefits, which is common in many health savings accounts and high deductible health plans. The program will also aid people who have prescription coverage for non-formulary or non-covered drugs.
Individuals who do not qualify for publicly funded programs such as Medicaid and Medicare or those who receive their medicines through charity care providers such as 340B can also use the Ohio Drug Card. This program even covers some pet medications that are available at participating pharmacies.
Greg Lashutka, the former mayor of Columbus, has been selected as the Program Director for the Ohio Drug Card. Lashutka played football for Ohio State under head coach Woody Hayes from 1963-1965. In 1965 Lashutka served as his team's co-captain. He was elected mayor of Columbus in 1991 and served as mayor from 1992 through 1999 being elected twice. Lashutka served as president of the National League of Cities during his time as mayor.
"This program can help every resident of Ohio! We are calling on hospitals, clinics, associations and organizations to create public awareness for the program and to make this program available to our citizens," said Lashutka. "This program is just what the people of Ohio needed to help them manage rising insurance and medical expenses."
The Ohio Drug Card Program has no restrictions or participation requirements and is open to every resident of Ohio. As a resident of Ohio, you can download your free prescription drug card by visiting www.OhioDrugCard.com. Anyone not able to access the Web site, or otherwise obtain a member card, can visit any Kmart Pharmacy location in Ohio. Kmart Pharmacy will process your prescription through the Ohio Drug Card program even if you do not have a member card.
You can search for drug pricing and participating pharmacies at www.ohiodrugcard.com. The card is pre-activated and can be used at any participating pharmacy. Most major pharmacies, as well as thousands of independent pharmacies, accept the card.
Drug Card Program Launched
(Warren) – A new prescription drug card program is available to Ohioans looking for a break on their prescription drug costs.
There are no restrictions to membership in the Ohio Drug Card program, no income restrictions, no age limit and no applications to fill out, program officials said. It's not a state-sponsored program.
Savings average between 30 and 75 percent and more than 50,000 national, regional and independent pharmacies in the state, according to the program. Also, the program covers some pet medication.
"It's free, that's the best part," said Steve Jarvis, development and media relations director with Ohio Drug Card.
Every Ohio resident is eligible to participate in the Ohio Drug Card program, he said. Cards can be downloaded at www.ohiodrugcard.com.
Anyone not able to access the Web site can visit any Kmart pharmacy, where the prescription will be processed through the program despite the person not having a membership, according to the Ohio Drug Card program.
Frank Manios, owner of Franklin Pharmacy – Warren's only independent pharmacy – said he likes the idea. It benefits his customers and potentially his pharmacy.
"I think they are good, I think they're all good," Manios said of this and other drug-cost saving programs. "If they can save some money, why not? I have no problem with that at all.
"If somebody else doesn't take the cards and we take them, there is a potential customer there," he said.
The program was launched to help uninsured and underinsured Ohioans afford their prescriptions, Jarvis said. People covered by health insurance but without prescription benefits are eligible. Also, those with prescription coverage can use the card for non-formulary or non-covered drugs.
Those who don't qualify for Medicare or Medicaid and those who get their medicine through charity care providers can participate.
Jarvis said similar programs have been started in California, New Jersey and Missouri, where Jarvis said 40,000 cards were printed the day it launched.
New Drug Card Offers Big Script Savings
(Central Ohio) – You likely have a wallet full of discount cards for your favorite stores.
Adding a new one to the mix will help your family save money on prescriptions.
The Ohio Drug Card offers Ohioans an average savings of 30 percent on drug prescriptions, but NBC 4's Matt Alvarez said the savings can be as high as 75 percent on some drugs.
There are no restrictions to membership, no income restrictions and no age limit. There aren't any applications to fill out, either.
The card was designed to help the uninsured or underinsured but can be used by those with insurance and no prescription coverage and also by those with prescription coverage for noncovered drugs.
Use the card at Kmart Pharmacy, Rite Aid, Walgreens, CVS pharmacy, Meijer and Discount Drug Mart.
The card even covers some pet medications, Alvarez reported.
Search keyword "drug card" on www.nbc4i.com for a full list of covered drugs and to download a card online.
Those without Internet access can visit a Kmart Pharmacy.
Stay tuned to NBC 4 and refresh nbc4i.com for the latest information.
To send a news tip or submit a story idea, e-mail us at stories@nbc4i.com.
Ohio Drug Card provides free prescription drug cards
(Columbus) – The Ohio Drug Card Program announced last week it will distribute free discount prescription drug cards to residents of Ohio.
Every Ohioan is eligible to participate in the Ohio Drug Card Program. There are no restrictions to membership, no income restrictions, no age limit and no applications to fill out. Prescription savings average 30 percent and can range up to 75 percent at more than 50,000 national and regional pharmacies.
Participating pharmacies include Kmart Pharmacy, Rite Aid, Walgreens, CVS/pharmacy, Meijer, Discount Drug Mart and Marc's Pharmacy, as well as thousands of independent pharmacies.
Ohio residents can download free prescription drug cards by visiting www.Ohio DrugCard.com. Anyone not able to access the Web site or otherwise obtain a member card can visit any Kmart Pharmacy location in Ohio. Kmart Pharmacy will process prescriptions through the Ohio Drug Card program even if you do not have a member card.
The Ohio Drug Card Program was launched to help the uninsured and underinsured citizens of Ohio afford their prescription medications. However, the program also can be used by people who have health insurance coverage with no prescription benefits, which is common in many health savings accounts and high-deductible health plans. Additionally, people who have prescription coverage can use this program for nonformulary or noncovered drugs.
The Ohio Drug Card also can be used by individuals who do not qualify for publicly funded programs such as Medicaid and Medicare. It also can be used by people who receive their medicines through charity care providers such as 340B. This program also covers some pet medications that are available at participating pharmacies.
Information about drug pricing and participating pharmacies is available at www.ohiodrugcard.com.
More Ohioans to Have Access to Prescription Savings
Ohio Drug Card announced today that CVS/pharmacy has been chosen as the preferred pharmacy for the free statewide prescription assistance drug card. Ohio residents that don't have access to a computer, and can't otherwise obtain a hard card, can now visit any CVS/pharmacy location to have their prescriptions processed through Ohio Drug Card. Ohioans can simply ask the pharmacist to process their prescription through the Ohio Drug Card.
Ohio Drug Card was launched to help the uninsured and underinsured residents afford their prescription medications. However, the program can also be used by people that have health insurance coverage with no prescription benefits, which is common in many health savings accounts (HSA) and high deductible health plans. Additionally, people with prescription coverage can use the program to get a discount on prescription drugs that are not covered by insurance.
Ohio Drug Card has helped residents save more than 11 million dollars since its inception in May 2008. You can search drug pricing and locate participating pharmacies at https://www.OhioDrugCard.com .