Visit www.familywize.org for more information. United Way of Southwest Michigan has joined with 550 other United Ways in all 50 states to help lower the cost of prescription medication for families with little or no prescription drug coverage. A partnership with the FamilyWize prescription drug discount program will provide an average 35 percent discount on the cost of prescriptions through the distribution of the FamilyWize prescription drug card.

“We wanted to make it as easy as possible for people in our community to save on prescription drugs,” said Joann Schma, United Way of Southwest Michigan Community Impact Director. “Too many people have insufficient or no prescription coverage, or need medications not covered by their insurance, Medicare, Medicaid or VA benefits.”

It is estimated that the partnership nationwide is saving over $1 million every month with a goal of saving $100 million over the next five years. So far, more than 4 million cards have been distributed and over $7 million have been saved to date.

Locally, the FamilyWize cards are accepted at all Rite Aid, Meijer, Wal-Mart, Martins, and Walgreens pharmacies. In addition the card is accepted at Scripts Pharmacy, Richard Gillespie Pharmacy, Belfy Drug Store, Pamida Pharmacy, Family Fare Pharmacy, Wisner Beck Drug Store, Three Oaks Pharmacy, Vans Pharmacy, Buffalo Drug and Ingersoll Pharmacy.

The FamilyWize perscription cards are available at the pharmacies listed above. They are not currently available at the United Way offices.

The FamilyWize program gives an average discount of 35 percent, or $20 per prescription. It covers all prescription drugs for everyone with little or no prescription coverage. It covers all medicine not covered by a benefit plan. There are no age, income or residency restrictions with the plan. No personal information is collected so there is no registration, activation, paperwork or enrollment.

The program was also done at no cost to United Way or the people using the card. The savings on the cost of the medicine is provided by the pharmacies. They agreed to accept prices for medications that are close to the prices they make available to large insurance companies and employers. All other program costs were provided by in-kind donations from sponsors.

“While this is a great opportunity for our community members, it is also a wonderful way for United Way of Southwest Michigan to take a step forward in supporting our new focus areas of Education, Income and Health,” United Way of Southwest Michigan President Anna Murphy said. “People are often forced to make choices between necessary medications and other household needs. Reducing the cost of prescriptions could allow people to stay healthier by being able to consistently stay on their medications.

FamilyWize website at www.familywize.org

About United Way:

United Way is a global network that advances the common good, creating opportunities for a better life for all by focusing on the three key building blocks of education, income and health. The United Way movement creates long lasting community change by addressing the underlying causes of problems that prevent progress in these areas. LIVE UNITED is a call to action for everyone to become a part of the change.

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