Ohio Drug Card Media Center

(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.