Friday, December 10, 2004

Prescription Savings Program Aids Those Without Coverage

Atlantic County residents are encouraged to take advantage of the Atlantic County Resident Prescription Savings Program to obtain prescription medications at a savings of 10 to 50 percent. The program is available to any resident, regardless of income, who is not covered by a health insurance or retirement plan prescription program, as well as any of their dependents who reside in the same household. Seniors not covered by the New Jersey PADD program are also eligible for savings.

County Executive Dennis Levinson introduced the program last March. Nearly 300 county residents are currently participating. The program is administered by the Garden State Pharmacy Owners Provider Services (GSPOPS), an extensive network of over 1,700 participating chain and independent pharmacies in New Jersey and over 56,000 nationwide. GSPOPS currently includes 95 percent of Atlantic County's retail pharmacies as well as a mail order service.

Residents who agree to participate are charged a $20 per household annual membership fee. A discounted three-year fee of $40 per household is also available. All brand name and generic drugs that require a prescription are included in the plan. There are no deductibles to meet or exclusions for pre-existing conditions. Furthermore, there are no quantity limits; participants may receive as much medication as prescribed by their doctor. County officials added that there are absolutely no forms to fill out, other than the initial application.

Residents may obtain an informational brochure and application form by calling GSPOPS at 1-800-633-0037 or by visiting the Atlantic County Web site at: www.aclink.org. Brochures and applications are also available at county senior centers, family centers, area hospitals and many service organizations.

Residents may mail their completed application along with proof of residency and the membership fee to: GSPO Provider Services Corp., P.O. Box 4190, Hamilton, NJ 08610 (NOT to county offices). Once their application has been processed, their Prescription Savings Card will be mailed to their home. The card entitles them to receive a special discounted price whenever they have a prescription filled or refilled at a participating pharmacy.

County News