In addition to offering extensive online medical resources, NeedyMeds also promotes a free prescription drug discount card program, which is available to any Lowell resident at no cost to the city.  The card may be used to obtain a discount on prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, or medical supplies written as a prescription, as well as pet medications purchased at a pharmacy. The card is available at many locations throughout Lowell, including City Hall, the Health Department, the Senior Center, and various local social service agencies.

Participating pharmacies, which include CVS, Walgreens and several others, designate a discount of up to 80 percent for prescription drugs.  The discount cards cannot be used in combination with any private or government-sponsored health insurance program.  They cannot be used to lower a co-pay, but consumers can compare the savings offered by the card versus the cost of the co-pay before purchasing a prescription. 

Circumstances in which the cards could be used by someone with an existing insurance plan include:
       • The insurance has no drug coverage 
       • There is a high drug deductible 
       • There is a low medicine cap that has been met
       • There is a high co-pay and the card offers a better price
       • The patient is in the Medicare Part D donut hole

The cards are currently accepted at more than 61,000 pharmacies nationwide, with over 30 located within a 5-mile radius of downtown Lowell.  The cards can be shared with family members, and they have no expiration date. 
NeedyMeds is a national non-profit based in Gloucester, MA. 
For any questions about information contained in this press release, please contact Greg Page at (978) 674-1551 or e-mail gpage@lowellma.gov.