New Hampshire Rx Card Media Center

(Concord, NH) – The Business & Industry Association (BIA) of New Hampshire, in partnership with the New Hampshire Medical Society (NHMS), recently launched a new statewide prescription drug assistance program that makes available free prescription drug cards for all New Hampshire residents. The New Hampshire Rx Card offers savings of up to 75 percent on prescription drugs purchased at retail pharmacies throughout the state and across the country. Average savings are 30 percent.

The New Hampshire Rx Card has no membership restrictions, no income requirements, no age limitations, and there are no applications to fill out. The New Hampshire Rx Card was launched to help the more than 130,000 currently uninsured New Hampshire residents afford prescription medications. The program can also be used by people who have health insurance coverage without prescription benefits — common in many health savings accounts (HSA) and high deductible health insurance plans. Additionally, people who have prescription drug coverage can use this program to get discounts on non-formulary or non-covered drugs.

BIA and NHMS are working to create awareness of the card among employers, employees, health care providers, and the general public. "The New Hampshire Rx Card is a great option for individuals without health insurance, or those with health insurance plans that lack a comprehensive prescription drug benefit," said Jim Roche, BIA president. "Health insurance premiums have risen over 90% since 2000 — more than four times faster than income growth. This prescription drug discount program couldn't come at a better time for New Hampshire citizens struggling to deal with rising health care costs during the worst economy in seventy years."

"We see the New Hampshire Rx Card as a way to help our patients with the high cost of prescription drugs," said NHMS President Dr. Charles Blitzer.

Major pharmacies participating in the New Hampshire Rx Card program include Shaw's Osco, CVS, Rite Aid, Walgreens, Wal-Mart and Target pharmacies. New Hampshire residents can download a free "card" by visiting www.nhrxcard.com. Anyone not able to access the website, or otherwise obtain a member card, can visit any Shaw's Osco Pharmacy in New Hampshire. Employers can also request hard-backed cards (similar to a thick business card) for their employees directly from the BIA by contacting llabombard@nhbia.org or (603) 224-5388, ext. 100.