“Illinois’ FREE Discount Prescription Drug Card Program”

Pharmacists and pharmaceutical companies are funding the Illinois Rx Drug Program.

SPRINGFIELD, Ill., May 11, 2011 – Illinois residents now have access to a free prescription assistance program.

The statewide prescription drug card program, called Illinois Rx Card, is scheduled to officially commence today. Illinois Rx Card is being launched to help the uninsured and underinsured residents of Illinois gain access to significant savings on prescription medications at local pharmacies.

Illinois Rx Card, which is free to all Illinois residents, will provide discounts on medications with an average savings of around 30%. There are no restrictions to membership, no income requirements, no age limit and no applications to fill out. Illinoisans can obtain a free Rx card, search drug pricing, and locate participating pharmacies by visiting www.IllinoisRxCard.com. Residents can also obtain cards at health centers, hospitals, clinics, and other card distribution sites that are being set up across the state.

Illinois Rx Card is accepted at more than 56,000 pharmacies across the country including all major chains. Anyone that is not able to obtain a member card can visit any CVS/pharmacy or Dominick's location in Illinois and simply reference "Illinois Rx Card" to have a prescription processed through the program. Dominick's and CVS/pharmacy have been named the preferred pharmacies for offering this service to residents.

The Illinois Rx Card is a simple solution to the confusing maze of discount programs that have appeared in recent years. Many of these programs require enrollment and some have membership restrictions such as age and income requirements. The Illinois Rx Card is free and open to all residents.

Additional information on the program can be found at www.IllinoisRxCard.com.

There's a new way for the uninsured and under-insured in Illinois to save money at the pharmacy.

The Illinois Rx card was unveiled today. It's a free statewide discount program to help residents afford their medications.

The cards are accepted at more than 56,000 pharmacies.

People may be able to save up to 75%.

Click here to find out how you can get a card.

SPRINGFIELD – There's a new way to save on prescription drugs in Illinois.

The Illinois Rx Card program launched Thursday.

The card is free to all Illinois residents. And it offers discounts of around 30% on prescription drugs at thousands of participating pharmacies.

There are no restrictions on membership, and no applications to fill out.

Illinois now has a statewide prescription drug program called Illinois Rx Card. The uninsured and underinsured are the recipients. Mike Rogers talks about how to take advantage of the program.

SPRINGFIELD – A free card available online could bring Illinois residents discounts on prescription drugs.

Mike Rogers, program director of the Illinois Rx Card, said the discounts would help people who are uninsured or underinsured, but anyone could sign up at www.IllinoisRxCard.com. The site, which is backed by pharmaceutical companies and other health care-related companies, does not collect users' personal information.

“The Illinois Rx Card is a simple solution to the confusing maze of discounted programs available in the marketplace today,” Rogers said.

The discount drug program, launched Wednesday, is open to anyone, regardless of age or income status. The card can be downloaded online and gives cardholders average discounts of 30 percent on drugs. It is accepted at major chains.

The card is not the same as health insurance, or Illinois Cares Rx, which is a government-administered drug assistance program for seniors or people with disabilities.

The program is supported by drug companies because it creates new customers, said Ryan Jumonville, CEO of United Networks of America, which administers the Illinois Rx Card program and similar discount drug programs in other states.

SPRINGFIELD, IL – A new prescription discount card is now available to Illinois consumers

It is called the Illinois RX Card and it is free to download off the internet.

The card provides discounts of up to 75 percent on prescriptions and is accepted at about 56,000 pharmacies across the state.

Some pharmacists say there is a downside to cheap prescriptions. Pharmacists Mike Patton says the role of the pharmacist is often devalued. "The greatest thing the pharmacist has to offer," Patton says, "is not their inventory: it's their knowledge of what that medication should do for you and how to take it appropriately."

There are well over 200 prescription discount cards available across Illinois, which are intended for people who have no insurance or are under insured.

The state of Illinois has launched a new program that will provide discounts on prescription drugs.

Residents are now able to go online and sign up to get a free card, which will save an average of 30 percent on prescriptions.

Those unable to sign up for a card online can visit any CVS/pharmacy or Dominick's location to obtain a member card.

There are no restrictions to membership and no applications to fill out.

The Illinois Rx Card will be accepted at more than 56,000 pharmacies across the country including all major chains.

To receive an Illinois Rx Card, please visit www.illinoisrxcard.com.

Illinois residents now have access to a free prescription assistance program called Illinois Rx Card.

The statewide free prescription drug card program is designed to help millions of uninsured and underinsured Illinois residents by providing significant discounts on prescription medications at local pharmacies, according to a news release.

Illinois Rx Card program director Mike Rogers said the card would help 1.7 million Illinoisans with no health insurance as well as people whose insurance simply won't cover enough and Medicare recipients who have hit the "doughnut hole," or coverage gap in Medicare Part D.

The program will provide average discounts of 30 percent, according to the news release. The program has no restrictions, income requirements, age limits or applications.

Participating pharmacies include CVS, Hy-Vee, Jewel/Osco and Target, with more than 56,000 pharmacies nationwide accepting the card, according to the release. Illinois residents also can obtain the cards at health centers, hospitals, clinics and other sites being set up across the state, according to the release.

For more details, visit www.IllinoisRxCard.com.

SPRINGFIELD – A free card available online could get Illinois residents discounts on prescription drugs.

Mike Rogers, program director of the Illinois Rx Card, said the discounts would help people who are uninsured, or under-insured, but anyone could sign up at www.illinoisrxcard.com. The site, which is backed by pharmaceutical companies and other health care-related companies, does not collect users' personal information.

"The Illinois Rx Card is a simple solution to the confusing maze of discounted programs available in the marketplace today," Rogers said.

The discount drug program, launched Wednesday, is open to anyone, regardless of age or income status. The card can be downloaded online and gives cardholders average discounts of 30 percent on drugs. It is accepted at major chains.

The card is not the same as health insurance, or Illinois Cares Rx, which is a government-administered drug assistance program for seniors or people with disabilities.

The program is supported by drug companies because it creates new customers, said Ryan Jumonville, CEO of United Networks of America, which administers the Illinois Rx Card program and similar discount drug programs in other states.

When something seems too good to be true, I'm naturally skeptical. So when I got a press release for the new Illinois Rx card - a completely free card offering discounts on prescription drugs at 56,000 pharmacies nationwide, all I could think was "What's the catch?"

The card is the brainchild of Ryan Jumonville, the 30-something, Louisiana-born president and CEO of United Networks America (UNA). Jumonville appeared at a press conference in the Illinois Capitol on Wednesday to promote the card, answering my plethora of probing questions that sought to discover whatever secret I assumed must be hidden in this deal.

Apparently, there is no catch or secret. The card is completely free to anyone in Illinois, regardless of age, medical condition, income, insurance status, or pizza topping preference. I asked about pretty much every aspect I could think of, and (almost) all of the answers from Jumonville and his team were satisfactory. UNA doesn't collect any information about card users, Jumonville says, and the cards work for all generic and name-brand prescription medications, including the expensive ones for diseases like cancer and AIDS. There is no obligation or contract if you use the card, and it's not funded by any government money.

It works through agreements with the pharmacies, who voluntarily offer discounts on prescription medicines to anyone presenting the Illinois Rx Card. Why would pharmacies agree to slash their prices? Jumonville says participating in the program is not so much about stealing customers from other pharmacies, but rather about generating entirely new customers - getting people who normally can't afford prescription medications to actually come buy them. He says the model has been proven in neighboring states like Indiana and Missouri.

The only question I have left is how UNA makes money from this deal. It's obviously a business venture for them, as evidenced by this 2005 story in Business Report magazine about Jumonville's plan rolling out in other states. (Warning: PDF file) The article says in the case of Arizona's program, UNA makes its money from a $1.80 fee paid each time the card is used. Because the card is free to the end user, I assume it must be the pharmacies paying the fee, though I'm not sure if the same arrangement exists in Illinois' version. UNA features the article on its "About Us" page here. When I asked Jumonville about how the company profits, he essentially said it's not important. As much as I hate to admit it, he may be right. I've wracked my brain trying to figure out a way that UNA's mechanism for profiting from this venture affects the end user, but I simply haven't been able to come up with a single thing.

So there you have it. I've tried my best to be a buzzkill, a role reporters often must fill, but the Illinois Rx Card seems to be legitimate. Get more info and decide for yourself at http://illinoisrxcard.com.

One more thing I forgot to mention: The Illinois Rx Card team worked with the Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce to get the project rolling, which should lend it some additional credibility.

Another one more thing: Just to be crystal clear, this is not an endorsement of the Illinois Rx Card or any person, company or program associated with it. No one paid me to write this, and everything in this post is true to the best of my knowledge.

SPRINGFIELD – A free card available online could get Illinois residents discounts on prescription drugs.

Mike Rogers, program director of the Illinois Rx Card, said the discounts would help people who are uninsured, or under-insured, but anyone could sign up at www.IllinoisRxCard.com. The site, which is backed by pharmaceutical companies and other health care-related companies, does not collect users' personal information.

"The Illinois Rx Card is a simple solution to the confusing maze of discounted programs available in the marketplace today," Rogers said.

The discount drug program, launched Wednesday, is open to anyone, regardless of age or income status. The card can be downloaded online and gives cardholders average discounts of 30 percent on drugs. It is accepted at major chains.

The card is not the same as health insurance, or Illinois Cares Rx, which is a government-administered drug assistance program for seniors or people with disabilities.

The program is supported by drug companies because it creates new customers, said Ryan Jumonville, CEO of United Networks of America, which administers the Illinois Rx Card program and similar discount drug programs in other states.

The state of Illinois has launched a new program that will provide discounts on prescription drugs.

Residents are now able to go online and sign up to get a free card, which will save an average of 30 percent on prescriptions.

Those unable to sign up for a card online can visit any CVS/pharmacy or Dominick's location to obtain a member card.

There are no restrictions to membership and no applications to fill out.

The Illinois Rx Card will be accepted at more than 56,000 pharmacies across the country including all major chains.

To receive an Illinois Rx Card, please visit www.illinoisrxcard.com.

SPRINGFIELD – A free card available online could bring Illinois residents discounts on prescription drugs.

Mike Rogers, program director of the Illinois Rx Card, said the discounts would help people who are uninsured or underinsured, but anyone could sign up at www.IllinoisRxCard.com. The site, which is backed by pharmaceutical companies and other health care-related companies, does not collect users personal information.

“The Illinois Rx Card is a simple solution to the confusing maze of discounted programs available in the marketplace today,” Rogers said.

The discount drug program, launched Wednesday, is open to anyone, regardless of age or income status. The card can be downloaded online and gives cardholders average discounts of 30 percent on drugs. It is accepted at major chains.

The card is not the same as health insurance, or Illinois Cares Rx, which is a government-administered drug assistance program for seniors or people with disabilities.

The program is supported by drug companies because it creates new customers, said Ryan Jumonville, CEO of United Networks of America, which administers the Illinois Rx Card program and similar discount drug programs in other states.

SPRINGFIELD – A new free prescription drug card offering discounts on generic and name-brand drugs is being offered to all Illinois residents.

The program, called Illinois Rx Card, is designed largely for people who are uninsured or underinsured, but even people with health insurance can use it on uncovered drugs, program director Mike Rogers says.

The average discount is 30 percent off the retail price, he said.

Illinois Rx Card, which has a name similar to state-run programs, is the venture of a private company that hopes to profit by steering customers to the pharmacies in its network, Rogers said.

"The program is fully funded through the pharmacies and pharmaceutical companies," he said.

Illinois Rx Card works with United Networks of America, a provider of value-added managed-care products and services, which processes claims through participating pharmacies, Rogers said.

The Illinois program has contracted with major chains including CVS. Walgreens, Dominick's, Hy-Vee, Kmart, Meijer, Jewel-Osco, Pamida, Schnucks, Shopko, Walgreens, Target and Wal-Mart, plus 95 percent of the independent drugstores, and is accepted at more than 56,000 pharmacies across the U.S., Rogers said.

Pharmacies also enroll in the program free, he said.

While insured people can use the cards, too, Rogers said, they can't use the cards in combination with their insurance. It's one or the other.

The discount cards are being promoted through doctors, pharmacies, hospitals and chambers of commerce, but anybody can print one on the company's website at http://www.illinoisrxcard.com.

What if you don't have access to a computer? People who go to CVS or Dominick's drugstores don't even need a card to get the discount, Rogers said. They just have to tell the person at the pharmacy counter that they want their prescription to be processed under the Illinois Rx Card program.

Illinois Rx Club had its official launch earlier this week in Springfield but had a soft launch about six months ago by putting up the website and not promoting the program, Rogers said.

"We've had a great response so far," he added.

Springfield, Ill. – Illinois residents now have access to a free prescription assistance program.

The statewide prescription drug card program, called Illinois Rx Card, began Wednesday. Illinois Rx Card is being launched to help the uninsured and underinsured residents of Illinois gain access to significant savings on prescription medications at local pharmacies.

Illinois Rx Card, which is free to all Illinois residents, will provide discounts on medications with an average savings of around 30 percent. There are no restrictions to membership, no income requirements, no age limit and no applications to fill out. Illinoisans can obtain a free Rx card, search drug pricing, and locate participating pharmacies by visiting www.IllinoisRxCard.com. Residents can also obtain cards at health centers, hospitals, clinics, and other card distribution sites that are being set up across the state.

Illinois Rx Card is accepted at more than 56,000 pharmacies across the country including all major chains. Anyone that is not able to obtain a member card can visit any CVS/pharmacy or Dominick's location in Illinois and simply reference “Illinois Rx Card” to have a prescription processed through the program. Dominick's and CVS/pharmacy have been named the preferred pharmacies for offering this service to residents.

The Illinois Rx Card is a simple solution to the confusing maze of discount programs that have appeared in recent years. Many of these programs require enrollment and some have membership restrictions such as age and income requirements. The Illinois Rx Card is free and open to all residents.

Additional information on the program can be found at www.IllinoisRxCard.com.

(Springfield, IL) – Illinois residents now have access to a free prescription assistance program. The "Illinois R-X Card" program is designed to help uninsured and under-insured people get the medications they need.

Program Director Mike Rogers says everyone is eligible for the card. "Illinois R-X card has no enrollment forms, no restrictions or age or income requirements. There are no waiting periods, no eligibility requirements, and exclusions. It covers pre-existing conditions," Rogers said.

Both generic and name brand drugs can be discounted up to 75-percent with the card. It's accepted at more than 56-thousand pharmacies nationwide. Cards can be downloaded for free at www.illinoisrxcard.com.

When it comes to healthcare and prescriptions you are probably looking for the best price. Some deals may not be as good as you may think though. With so many people unemployed and uninsured, local pharmacists said discounts for prescription drugs have been on the rise.

Pharmacists said not all of them will get you the lowest price. A new card that came out this week, Illinois RX, anyone can get online. The discount card is for uninsured and underinsured. The Illinois RX card could get you a discount of 30 % on prescription drugs, but one local pharmacist said cards like these can be good and bad.

"You have to be very careful with the exact price that the card is going to dictate. Sometimes it's going to be better for the patient, sometimes the programs that are out there now for cash, like the $4.00, $10.00 programs are going to be better than that card," Illini Clinic Pharmacy owner Jeff Merideth said.

Merideth said patients are not the only ones who need do their research when it comes to discount cards.

"There is a $1.80 fee we have to pay to the middle man who came up with this idea so, we loose profit on every prescription we send through," Merideth said.

That means local money is going elsewhere. Patients should talk to their pharmacist to see what the best deal really is.

"We have quick access to those cards, the benefits and the downsides to those prescription savings cards. In the long run we will find the best price for the patient on each individual prescription," Merideth said.

Illinois residents now have access to a free prescription assistance program. The "Illinois R-X Card" program is designed to help uninsured and underinsured people get the medications they need. Program Director Mike Rogers says anyone is eligible for the card. There are no enrollment forms, no age restrictions or income requirements and cardholders don't have to file any claims.

Cards can be downloaded for free at www.illinoisrxcard.com

SPRINGFIELD – A free card available online could bring Illinois residents discounts on prescription drugs.

Mike Rogers, program director of the Illinois Rx Card, said the discounts would help people who are uninsured or underinsured, but anyone could sign up at www.IllinoisRxCard.com. The site, which is backed by pharmaceutical companies and other health care-related companies, does not collect users' personal information.

“The Illinois Rx Card is a simple solution to the confusing maze of discounted programs available in the marketplace today,” Rogers said.

The discount drug program, launched Wednesday, is open to anyone, regardless of age or income status. The card can be downloaded online and gives cardholders average discounts of 30 percent on drugs. It is accepted at major chains.

The card is not the same as health insurance, or Illinois Cares Rx, which is a government-administered drug assistance program for seniors or people with disabilities.

The program is supported by drug companies because it creates new customers, said Ryan Jumonville, CEO of United Networks of America, which administers the Illinois Rx Card program and similar discount drug programs in other states.

Free Statewide Rx Assistance Program Launching in Illinois.

SPRINGFIELD, Ill., May 10, 2011 -- Program officials have confirmed that they will announce the official launch of the free statewide prescription assistance program called Illinois Rx Card at a news conference tomorrow in Springfield, IL.

Illinois Rx Card is being launched to help the uninsured residents of Illinois afford their prescription medications. The program is being touted as the answer for Illinois residents that find it difficult to navigate the confusing maze of prescription programs that have appeared in recent years. Pharmacy Communications has learned that pilot tests for this program have reportedly gone well and after a series of delays it looks like the program is finally launching statewide.

Illinois Rx Card is open to anyone living or working in Illinois regardless of age or income. Anyone interested in learning more can visit www.illinoisrxcard.com

SPRINGFIELD, Ill.-May 11, 2011 – Illinois residents now have access to a free prescription assistance program.

The statewide prescription drug card program, called Illinois Rx Card, is scheduled to officially commence today. Illinois Rx Card is being launched to help the uninsured and underinsured residents of Illinois gain access to significant savings on prescription medications at local pharmacies.

Illinois Rx Card, which is free to all Illinois residents, will provide discounts on medications with an average savings of around 30%. There are no restrictions to membership, no income requirements, no age limit and no applications to fill out. Illinoisans can obtain a free Rx card, search drug pricing, and locate participating pharmacies by visiting www.IllinoisRxCard.com. Residents can also obtain cards at health centers, hospitals, clinics, and other card distribution sites that are being set up across the state.

Illinois Rx Card is accepted at more than 56,000 pharmacies across the country including all major chains. Anyone that is not able to obtain a member card can visit any CVS/pharmacy or Dominick's location in Illinois and simply reference "Illinois Rx Card" to have a prescription processed through the program. Dominick's and CVS/pharmacy have been named the preferred pharmacies for offering this service to residents.

The Illinois Rx Card is a simple solution to the confusing maze of discount programs that have appeared in recent years. Many of these programs require enrollment and some have membership restrictions such as age and income requirements. The Illinois Rx Card is free and open to all residents.

Additional information on the program can be found at www.IllinoisRxCard.com

SPRINGFIELD - There's a new way to save on prescription drugs in Illinois.

The Illinois Rx Card program launched Thursday.

The card is free to all Illinois residents. And it offers discounts of around 30% on prescription drugs at thousands of participating pharmacies.

There are no restrictions on membership, and no applications to fill out.