Discount prescription card doesn't match hype
by ANTHONY QUIRINI - Ravalli Republic
Pharmacists up and down the valley are saying the county's discount prescription drug program isn't saving folks money on drug purchases.
The county introduced the program last week, but according to pharmacists and residents, the program's “discount prices” aren't materializing.
The program, sponsored by the National Association of Counties and CVS Caremark Corp., is being utilized by 15 Montana counties and 800 counties throughout the U.S. All a resident has to do is pick up a card, show it to a participating pharmacy, and it would save citizens money, the program literature said.
Those savings are turning out to not be a reality in Ravalli County.
“It was misleading - I'll tell you right now, it sure doesn't help us,” Peggy Linders said. “A drug that costs me $22.50, would have cost me $48.”
Pharmacies in Florence, Stevensville and Hamilton said that customers were disappointed when they found out that the program didn't lead to savings.
“I think we are certainly - and other pharmacists - were disappointed about it because it is fairly misleading,” Chad Smith, owner of Family Pharmacy in Stevensville said. “There certainly will be the occasional one (savings), but I would say on the average we find about 80 to 90 percent of the time cash pricing is less.”
Pete Seifert, owner of Hamilton's Bitterroot Drug, expressed the same sentiments as Smith.
“Bottom line is that the program creates false expectations for the public, and I have not seen it create any savings,” he said. “I had probably about 10 customers bring those cards in and it has not helped anyone.”
The program's literature said it would lead to 20 percent savings on most drugs. But those savings on drugs are based on national average prices. According to pharmacists, in more rural counties where there isn't competitive pricing, the program could lead to savings. But in the Bitterroot, the savings don't apply.
Additionally, when someone uses the card, it puts their name on a mailing list, Dan Severson, pharmacist and owner of Valley Drug and Variety in Stevensville said.
“I have not seen a discount card that has benefited anyone here ... what it is doing is giving them (Caremark) a monstrous mailing list,” he said, noting that discount cards aren't a new concept and they've been around for years. “The biggest problem is what they are all about is getting into people's lives - all of your information is transmitted to Caremark.”
Neighboring Missoula County launched the discount drug program last week.
Reporter Anthony Quirini can be reached at 363-3300 or aquirini@ravallirepublic.com
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