Prescription discounts are offered in state, county programs

Folks struggling to lasso runaway prescription prices should peruse a pair of programs that might just afford them some extra rope.

The Washington Prescription Drug Program from the Washington State Health Care Authority is open to all Evergreen Staters. Created by the Legislature in a proposal first advanced by the governor, the program offers discounts to eligible folks when they order their prescriptions. All Washingtonians are eligible to apply for the assistance and there aren't any age or income restrictions. The program is particularly aimed at helping folks without insurance, folks who have medical coverage but no prescription-drug benefit, and folks whose prescription-drug coverage through their employer doesn't cover the specific drug they need. 

Check the Internet at http://www.rx.wa.gov/ for this state program. The toll-free phone numbers are 1-800-913-4146 (enrollment) and 1-800-913-4311 (customer service). Be ready to answer these six specific questions in the application process: name, date of birth, address, phone number, gender, and how you heard about the program.

Many of the state's 39 counties also offer their own cards providing prescription-drug discounts. Sponsored by the National Association of Counties, these programs are open to all residents in the participating counties -- regardless of age, income or existing coverage. The card is accepted at most pharmacies. Cards are available at public locations such as city halls, libraries, participating pharmacies, and transit centers. 

Call 1-877-321-2652 or visit the http://naco.advancerx.com website for more details. Participating Washington counties are Clallam, Clark, Douglas, Garfield, Jefferson, Kitsap, Lewis, Okanogan, Pacific, Pend Oreille, Skagit, Skamania, Snohomish, Walla Walla, Whatcom, and Whitman.

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