BigAppleRx Saves Uninsured New Yorkers More Than $25 Million

NEW YORK, July 24, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Today the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene marked the success of the city-wide BigAppleRx prescription discount card program. BigAppleRx has surpassed more than $25 million in savings for New Yorkers since it was launched in May 2011.

The BigAppleRx program aims to provide savings on prescription medications to anyone experiencing coverage gaps, including those who have no health insurance or high co-pays or deductibles through their prescription drug insurance. To date, more than 200,000 New Yorkers, across all five boroughs, have filled more than 750,000 prescriptions using the BigAppleRx card. The program has provided an average savings of 60% on generic drugs and 17% on brand name drugs.

"We are thrilled to offer these meaningful savings to New Yorkers who otherwise cannot afford their prescription medications," said Paul Casali, Program Manager of BigAppleRx. "This milestone is a major achievement for the Department of Health and the City of New York, and a further testament to the commitment to the wellbeing of all New Yorkers." 

With the BigAppleRx card, New York City has provided its citizens with significant savings on vital prescription medications. "All New Yorkers deserve the right to access the prescriptions they need regardless of their income or citizenship status," said Dr. Mary Bassett, New York City Health Commissioner. "Healthcare ought to be a right rather than a privilege and programs like BigAppleRx, which reduce the cost for most prescription drugs, helps ease the burden for New Yorkers particularly those without healthcare who are struggling to make ends meet."

BigAppleRx cards are accepted at pharmacies throughout New York City and nationwide. The card covers most FDA-approved prescription medications as well as some over-the-counter medications, such as smoking-cessation aids and diabetes supplies. The card is free and there is no activation or registration required.

About BigAppleRx
BigAppleRx, a program sponsored by the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) is available to everyone living in, working in, or visiting NYC, regardless of age, income, citizenship, or health insurance status. The card provides an average overall savings of 46% on prescription medications; 17% average on brand name drugs; 60% average on generic drugs.  

How to Obtain a BigAppleRx Card
The discount card is available at hundreds of distribution points throughout the city, including doctors' offices, pharmacies, and community and faith-based organizations. The card can also be printed online at www.nyc.gov (search term "BigAppleRx") or at BigAppleRx.com.  A card can also be obtained by calling 1-888-454-5602 or 311.

SOURCE New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene