United Way Windham News

United Way Helps Families Cover Prescription Costs

If you don’t have health insurance, or need medicine not covered by your insurance plan, you need the FamilyWize prescription drug discount card being distributed by United Way of Windham County. This card could lower the cost of your medicine by an average 30% or more. United Way of Windham County - is providing these cards free-of-charge to everyone in our community. There are no age restriction, no income restrictions, no limit on how many times you can use it and no waiting to get a card. In fact, you can cut this one out and use it today.

When you present this card and your prescription to a participating pharmacy, you pay either the discounted or the pharmacy’s retail price, whichever is lower. Your card can be used often as needed.

"Healthcare costs are one of the top concerns for people in our community,” said Carmen Derby Executive Director of the United Way of Windham County. “40% of adults don’t buy the medicine they need, have difficulty affording it or reduce the required dosage because of the high cost. The FamilyWize prescription drug discount cards will help individuals and families who otherwise could not afford to buy the medicine they need. Too many people have insufficient coverage, no prescription coverage or need medications not covered by their insurance, Medicare, Medicaid or VA benefits.”

People with Internet access can go to www.FamilyWize.org to print a card, look up drug prices, and get a list of participating pharmacies.

FamilyWize cards can also be obtained from Messenger Valley Pharmacy in Townshend, Curves for Women, Brueggers, Brooks Memorial Library, Brattleboro Chamber of Commerce, Brattleboro Walk In Clinic, The Marlboro College Graduate Center, SEVCA or by calling United Way of Windham County at 257-4011. Many local businesses will also have cards available for customers and the public at all of their locations. Local businesses and employers can also obtain cards to give to their employees. The cards are also available at the www.unitedwaywindham.org.

United Way of Windham County has joined more than 800 United Ways in all 50 states to save people over $50 million in the next year on the cost of their medicine. As of August 2009, Windham County has had 1874 claims and the savings are over $46,000.00. There is more information on the program’s website at WWW.FAMILYWIZE.ORG. Most pharmacies here and throughout the United States accept the FamilyWize prescription drug discount cards.

“It’s truly amazing what we can accomplish when we all work together. So many people and organizations have joined together to make this possible,”said Derby. “We invite all area organizations to contact us for a supply of cards, as well as every local business to get cards for all their employees and their families.”