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Jun 22, 2009 3:52 pm US/Central
Forest Hill Offers Residents Discount Rx Cards
Forest Hill (CBS 11 / TXA 21) ―
As many North Texans struggle to make ends meet, it becomes harder for some families to afford health care and prescription medications.
Through a program sponsored by the National League of Cities (NLC), the City of Forest Hill is offering its residents free prescription drug discount cards.
Willie Criss, who had been a resident of Forest Hill for 35 years, said, "I just had quadruple bypass surgery for my heart, and I take medications for that, diabetic. I run the course." Criss says he could use some help with his prescription medications.
The card has no restrictions based on age, income, or existing medical coverage and can be used by any Forest Hill resident. "Whether or not an individual had prescription coverage, this program can make it easier for our residents to afford the drugs they need to deal with short-term illness," explained Forest Hill City Manager David Miller in a Monday press release.
The discount card program, administered by CVS Caremark, offer an average of 20-percent savings off the retail price of commonly prescribed drugs. The NLC card can be used at pharmacies in Forest Hill, as well as at thousands of participating pharmacies across the country.
There is no membership fee or enrollment form required to get a card and it can be used anytime prescriptions aren't covered by insurance. "It's to be used for residents who may not have any kind of prescription drug coverage, or may not be covered in their traditional benefits program, or someone who just needs some help," said City of Forest Hill Spokesperson Venus Wehle.
Whether to treat a short term illness or a chronic problem, the hope is that the discount will help residents with expenditures. Its news that's already helping some like Criss, feel better. "This is good news for residents," he said.
The drug discount cards are available at city hall to Forest Hill residents. Residents can also obtain information about the program by calling (888) 620-1749 or by logging on to www.caremark.com/nlc or www.foresthilltx.org.
North Texan Billie Powell said, "I live in Everman, and I hope they get it... so I can get the discount too." The program is slated to be offered in 19,000 other cities soon.
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