New drug card lowers prescription costs

Virginia residents can sign up for a discount card endorsed by the Greater Richmond Chamber that reduces prescription drug prices from 10 percent to 75 percent.

“We hear from our members all the time that their number one concern and their employees’ number one concern is the cost of health care,“ said Rob Bradham, the chamber’s senior vice president for business development and government affairs. “This is an easy way for us to help our members, their employees and anyone else in Virginia to offset their costs.“

The program targets uninsured and underinsured people, but is open to any resident, Bradham said. People can go to a Web site, enter their information, print a card and use it at participating pharmacies. People can search the Web site for the amount of the discount, which averages about 32 percent, Bradham said.

“It really is something when the business community steps up and sees this is such a significant problem, and that they need to help their members, their employees and everybody else,“ said Deborah Oswalt, executive director of the Virginia Health Care Foundation. “This is really telling in terms of the problem we are all facing in terms of rising health-care costs.“

Many other states offer a similar card through United Networks of America, the firm the chamber is working with on the Virginia card.

Some people who can use generics may get a better deal at retailers that offer many generic prescription drugs for $4.

In addition, some drug companies offer patient-assistance programs that provide free medications to people who meet certain income requirements. Many free clinics and community health centers use Virginia Health Care Foundation’s Pharmacy Connection software to help patients enroll in those programs.

Contact Tammie Smith at or (804) 649-6572.