Politics & Government

Free Drug Program Saves Money for Monroe Residents

Town Council Chairwoman Enid Lipeles says she was "skeptical" when a representative from the Connecticut Conference of Municipalities presented a free drug program that would reduce costs to Monroe residents taking advantage of it.

Lipeles said CCM sent First Selectman Steve Vavrek results from the program's first month showing members saved over 30 percent.

"She also gave me a chart for other towns showing substantial savings," Lipeles said of the CCM representative. "Those towns were in the program much longer, so I did not think it provided enough information for a comparison with Monroe."

Lipeles said there is no cost to the town and no cost to taxpayers and the discounts are negotiated directly with participating pharmacies.

There are also discounts for all family members with no limits on use. The average savings are 45 percent. Some pet prescriptions are covered for medications that also are used to treat a human condition.

Lipeles said residents obtain their card, either electronically or through the mail, and can use it immediately at any participating pharmacy. The discount cards are widely accepted at all national chain pharmacies and most local independent pharmacies.

The program is administered by ProAct, Inc., a discount card provider, who negotiates discount rates directly with participating pharmacies.

"This program is endorsed by the Connecticut Conference of Municipalities, the statewide association of towns and cities," Lipeles said.

Three other programs are offered:

Vision Discounts
•Participants can receive the following discounts on eye exams, frames, 
and contact lenses.
•Eye Examinations Up to 20% off the usual and customary fee
•Frames Up to 50% off the retail price
•Lenses Up to 50% off the retail price
•Online Lenses Everyday low pricing and free standard shipping
•For participating providers, visit www.EyeBenefits.com.

LASIK Discounts
•Program Features:
•Save 40-50% off the National Average 
•Credentialed ophthalmologists

Hearing Products & Services
•Program Features:
•Savings of 35-65%
•Brand name hearing aids and products
 
"I think one of my responsibilities is to inform the residents of Monroe of the good things that they may choose to take advantage of," Lipeles said. "This program has saved Connecticut residents over $1,340,000 in prescription costs since inception early this year. Monroe residents can get a card at the First Selectman’s office at town hall."


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