Reyes Brings National Prescription Discount Program to L.A.

(Photo: Councilmember Ed P. Reyes hands out free prescription discount cards to seniors at St. Barnabas Senior Services.)
Los Angeles, (November 18, 2010) — Councilmember Ed P. Reyes, joined by health leaders, today launched the National League of Cities (NLC) free prescription discount card program at St. Barnabas Senior Services, 675 S. Carondelet St.

“The free card helps the nearly 29%, or 2.7 million, uninsured residents younger than 65 Countywide,” said Reyes, to a crowd of more than 50 seniors at St. Barnabas in the Westlake community. “People of any age, income level, residency status or level of health care coverage can get an average savings of 20% of their prescriptions.”

The card also helps nearly half a million elderly living alone who barely make ends meet. The 29% figure is significantly higher than the statewide average of 24.3%, according to a recent UCLA study.

The NLC program has been successful in hundreds of cities nationwide, including Orlando, FL, Atlanta, GA, Chicago, IL and Buffalo, NY.

“We are pleased that Los Angeles has joined the more than 400 cities from around the country to participate in this important program,” said Donald J. Borut, NLC Executive Director. “As cities struggle during these tough economic times, residents must be able to access much-needed and potentially life savings prescriptions.”

Reyes was joined by Rigo J. Saborio, St. Barnabas President & CEO, Brad Stone, CVS Caremark Regional Vice President, and Vivian Gonzales, Director of Nursing, Arroyo Vista Family Health Center and senior card users. They discussed the importance of the discount cards during these challenging economic times. The press event concluded with a performance by St. Barnabas line dancers and questions from news reporters and seniors. Prescription card information was available in English, Spanish and Korean.

The discount card may be used by all residents at more than 60,000 participating retail pharmacies across the country, including major chains throughout Los Angeles. There are no restrictions based on the resident’s age, income level, or existing health coverage. Pets that take prescriptions that are also used to treat human conditions are covered.

The NLC card is available at L.A. City hall, Office of Councilmember Reyes, St. Barnabas, and dozens of other centers, schools and libraries. They can also be printed from the Internet at www.caremark.com/nlc. For more information, call 1(888) 620-1749 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              1(888) 620-1749      end_of_the_skype_highlighting.

NLC is the nation’s oldest and largest organization devoted to strengthening and promoting cities as centers of opportunity, leadership and governance. NLC is a resource and advocate for 19,000 cities, towns and villages, representing more than 218 million Americans. To learn more about NLC, go to www.nlc.org.

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