New York to offer prescription drug discounts

New York is set to offer prescription drug discount cards for eligible residents. The New York Prescription Saver Cards, which will be available next week, are targeted at residents who are ineligible for Medicaid and too young for Medicare. Single New Yorkers who make less than $35,000 and families whose incomes are less than $50,000 will be eligible for the new discount program.

The state hopes that the new discount plan will reduce enrollees' costs of generic drugs by an average of 30 to 40 percent, and by at least 25 percent for name brands. More than 2,500 pharmacies throughout the state will honor the new cards and provide the new discounts. The state is using its bargaining power with the drug companies to secure the new discounts, reports The Democrat and Chronicle.

"One of the great obstacles that New Yorkers face is the skyrocketing cost of prescription drugs. In fact, in the last two years, the cost of these drugs has elevated twice that of the inflation rate," Gov. David Paterson said when announcing the new program.

For more information:
- check out this Democrat and Chronicle article