December 15, 2008: City of Duarte to Provide Residents with Easy-to-Use Program to Help Save Money on Prescription Drug Purchases

Residents of the city and county area of Duarte will soon be able to save an average of 20 percent off the retail price of commonly prescribed prescription drugs through a program provided by the City of Duarte in collaboration with the National League of Cities (NLC).

The City is making free prescription drug discount cards available to all Duarte residents through the NLC sponsored program. The NLC program is administered by CVS Caremark. The discount cards may be used when purchasing prescription drugs at any of the many local participating pharmacies and more than 59,000 pharmacies nationwide. There are no restrictions based on the resident’s age, income level, or existing health coverage, and no enrollment fees. There are also no limits on the number of times the card can be used. Duarte residents and their family members can use the card any time their prescriptions are not covered by insurance. As part of the program, residents will also be eligible for higher discounts on select medications.

“In the current economic climate, where many people are watching what they spend, the NLC prescription discount card will offer significant savings on the purchase of prescription medications for our residents,” said Councilmember Tzeitel Paras Caracci. “Whether or not an individual has prescription coverage, this program can make it easier for our residents to afford the drugs they need to deal with a short-term illness or stay healthy by managing a chronic condition,” said Paras Caracci.

Duarte will roll-out the prescription discount card program on Jan. 10. The City will make the free, personalized cards available to residents at a number of convenient distribution points throughout the City including Duarte City Hall, Duarte Senior Center, all school sites, Duarte Chamber of Commerce and Duarte Public Safety office. Residents also have the option of going online at www.caremark.com/nlc and printing an ID card from their own home computer.

The discount cards are easy to use. Residents only have to show their card, along with their prescription when purchasing medication at one of the participating pharmacies that locally include: CVS/pharmacy, Rite Aid, Cantwell Medical Pharmacy, Target, and Wal-Mart in Duarte; Costco in Azusa; and Walgreens and Sav-On in Monrovia.

Residents can learn more about the program by calling toll-free 1-888-620-1749, or by visiting www.caremark.com/nlc. Additional information is also available by calling City Hall (626) 357-7931, ext. 220