Navigating the Health Care System: Saving Money on Prescription Drugs

Regina Chacon, Washington Prescription Drug Program

The Washington State Health Care Authority provides the free Washington Prescription Drug Program (WPDP) Discount Card to all Washington residents. We currently have 170,000 people enrolled who are saving an average of 50 percent on generic prescription drugs. The program works and we want to let as many Washington residents know about it as possible.

Although this program does not coordinate benefits with insurance, the Basic Health Program, or Medicaid, we urge all Washington residents to enroll. Eligibility for other programs may change or there may be medications that are not covered by other programs or health plans. In those cases, the

"With gas and food prices at record highs, paying for health care is now an even bigger challenge for Washington families. As anyone who has been sick knows, prescription drugs are one of the biggest costs in getting healthy." —Governor Chris  Gregoire

WPDP Discount Card can help save money on prescription drugs.

Here's what you need to know:

• This card is FREE.
• Every Washington State resident is eligible, regardless of age or income.
• WPDP provides discounts of up to 60 percent on generic drugs and up to 20 percent on brand drugs.
• All prescriptions written by an authorized prescriber are eligible for a discount.
• Tools available on the Washington Prescription Drug Program website include a network Pharmacy Locator, a Drug Price Check, and easy enrollment in English or Spanish.
• Questions? Call toll-free: 1-800-913-4146 (all languages).

If you are uninsured, if your insurance doesn't cover prescription drugs, or if any of the medicines you take are not covered by your insurance, the free WPDP discount card can make a real difference in your costs.

If you are unable to afford the cost of medications even with a discount card, Partnership for Prescription Assistance—a free program to help uninsured, low-income individuals access free or low cost medications through the pharmaceutical companies—may be able to help.

Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisors (SHIBA) through the Office of the Insurance Commissioner has trained volunteers who provide information on insurance plans and programs available in Washington with a special focus on Medicare Part D plans for seniors and disabled people enrolled in Medicare.

For more information, contact Washington Prescription Drug Program coordinator Regina Chacón at 206-521-2027.