“North Carolina’s FREE Discount Prescription Drug Card Program”

1. State residents can receive prescription assistance with the North Carolina Drug Card program. There are no eligibility requirements or restrictions and the program is free to all. The prescription savings card is honored by most pharmacies throughout the state, with CVS being the preferred pharmacy. Go to northcarolinadrugcard.com to download a card or go to a nearby CVS Pharmacy and ask about the program.

2. Cumberland County solid waste sites are available for recycling electronics such as televisions and computer equipment, which will be banned from North Carolina landfills starting July 1. The electronics may be recycled at any of the 17 county container sites. For a list of container sites and recycling centers in Cumberland County, go to co.cumberland.nc.us/solid_waste.aspx.

3. World Heritage International is searching for host families for international high school students for the 2011-12 school year. Students are motivated and screened. By living with host families, they acquire an understanding of American values and build on leadership skills. Students' plane fares, insurance and spending money are paid by their parents; host families provide accommodations and food. For more information, call (800) 888-9040 or go to world-heritage.org.

By: Denise Sherman
Staff Writer

ZEBULON-- Deborah Wells knows firsthand of the health-care crisis in America.

She doesn't have health insurance and has to pay $80 each time she refills her medicine prescription for high cholesterol.

"I'm sure if you talk to people in this area—in a small rural town—you're going to find a lot more hardships," she said while waiting for her prescription to be filled at Eckerd Drugs on Arendell Avenue.

Wells is one of the people United Networks of America might be able to help.

The for-profit company that earns its money from contracts with pharmaceutical companies has issued a new drug card that saves on average of 33 percent on each prescription filled, said Bert Melancon, program director for UNA.

UNA has partnered with the nonprofit Health Access of America, which has an office in Raleigh, to get the word out about the cards which can be downloaded off their Web site at www.northcarolinadrugcard.com

That's welcome news to James Todd, of Zebulon, who must pay for his own pain medicine because he is on disability.

"I'm right next door to juggling bills," he said. "I sure would like to have some coverage."

That's what Health Access of America sees as its mission, said Susan Everett, regional coordinator.

"Health Access of America is a broad-based partnership of national and local organizations who educate and inform the uninsured, the media and the public at large about affordable health care option," Everett said.

They work places like health fairs, college campuses, booths at malls and blood drives.

Health Access of America recently conducted a pilot project in Wake and Johnston counties to help spread the word about the state's Health Choice program which provides health insurance to children without it.

It also works with private organizations like United Networks of America.

Melancon said that the costs of discounts from this program are borne by pharmaceutical companies and PMBs, which brokers reimbursement costs.

That doesn't stop pharmacists from being suspicious since so many of the discount cards bleed the local pharmacist, said Tadd Adams at Zebulon Drug Co.

"Without further information it's hard to make an assessment," said Adams. "I don't want to sound negative, but I've seen too many cards come out that (line) the pockets of the brokers."

Fred Eckel, executive director of the N.C. Association of Pharmacists, was also cautious.

"I'm afraid that a lot of pharmacists are going to be hesitant to see this as a beneficial advantage to them or their patients." he said. "They may have a good network and it may work. Clearly there's need."

Eckel also said a universal card would work better than scads of cards.

The program does have takers. Already, Eckerd's, Walgreens, Kroger, Albertson's, Target, Brookshire Brothers and Costco pharmacies as well as other chain and independent pharmacies honor UNA's card.

Independent pharmacies wanting to join can call 1-877-459-8475.

"The free Rx program has brought almost $66,000,000 in prescription savings to members around the country in the short history of the program with calendar year savings for 2007 projected to approach $100,000,000," said Brian Oliver, executive vice president of UNA.

It not only covers those without insurance, but those who have gaps within their insurance coverage, Melancon said.

Some pet medications are also available. The program is open to every resident in the state.

"Anything like that – we accept it," said Meredith Smith, a pharmacist at Eckerd's. "I'd have to do more research to say how good it is."

But Sandra Porter, of Zebulon, isn't waiting. She's ready to tell her sister.

"She doesn't have any insurance," she said. "She probably has to put another bill aside just to get her medicine."

With all the uncertainties in healthcare right now, we would like to remind all residents that the North Carolina Drug Card is here to help. With the help of CVS, the program's preferred pharmacy; we are reaching out to let people know that this program is here to help lower prescription expenses. The North Carolina Drug Card program offers statewide prescription assistance for all residents. There are no eligibility requirements or restrictions and the program is absolutely free to all. To access the program go to www.NorthCarolinaDrugCard.com and download your free card, or visit your local CVS and ask for the program.

This prescription savings card is honored by most pharmacies though out the state, it is designed to help those who have little to no insurance coverage, as well as those with insurance, discounting non-covered medications. Program Director, Bert Melancon, states that "Anyone can print a card and bring it to their pharmacist to see how it may benefit them; it is compatible with all insurances, including Part D Plans, H.S.A.'s, and High Deductibles".

Since the program was introduced about 4 years ago, the North Carolina Drug Card program has helped thousands of citizens saving millions of dollars, on their prescriptions. Mr. Melancon added "regardless of your position on the health care debate, all will be affected in one form or another, the North Carolina Drug Card is a free program offering a helping hand during these economic times." The North Carolina Drug Card has partnered with numerous hospitals, health fairs and healthcare related organizations, including Health Access America, Community Action Partnership and others, in reaching out to those who may need it most. The North Carolina Drug Card program is as easy as going to www.NorthCarolinaDrugCard.com and downloading a card or by visiting your local CVS/pharmacy.

March 3, 2009

As a resident of North Carolina, you and your family have access to a FREE Prescription Drug Card program. Simply download your Prescription Drug Card and receive savings of up to 75% at more than 50,000 national and regional pharmacies.