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About the Card
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$1 BILLION IN SAVINGS: The goal of this community partnership is to reduce the cost of medicine for children, families and individuals with no prescription drug coverage by $1 billion.
FamilyWize cards are being distributed free of charge nationwide by participating United Ways, community and faith-based organizations, county agencies, doctors, businesses, some pharmacies, and individuals like you.
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How it Works
FamilyWize essentially acts like a huge consumer group buying service for the uninsured and underinsured. The discounts and savings are provided voluntarily by the more than 61,000 participating pharmacies that have agreed to provide prices similar to what they give large insurance companies and employers. The participating pharmacies get more business, in three ways: 1) FamilyWize directs people with FamilyWize cards to their stores; 2) people are able to fill more of their prescriptions because of the savings; 3) people often buy other things when they go into the store to get their prescriptions.
Ultimately, it is the pharmacy that provides your savings. So please remember to thank your pharmacy for its participation in the FamilyWize network and for the important and positive difference they are making for you, your family and your community.
All funding for the FamilyWize program is provided by part of the dispensing fee that is included in the cost of medicines when a FamilyWize card is used to save you money, and by in-kind donations and reduced costs from the program sponsors.
It’s easy to use a FamilyWize Card. There are no forms to fill out, waiting period or registration. The card is really just like a reusable coupon. Anyone in your family, your work, your church or your neighborhood can use it. Immediately. You can even use it if you have health insurance, both during deductible periods and for anything your insurance does not pay for.
You ALWAYS get the lowest price. Your cost will be the discount price with the FamilyWize card or the pharmacy's usual and customary retail price, whichever is lower. You are responsible for the entire payment of the prescription medicine purchased after any discounts are applied. The FamilyWize card cannot lower the copay for medicine covered by insurance.
Tips to Save More
Select the lowest-cost alternative. Many brand-name prescription medications have a generic equivalent. On average, generics cost 20-70% less and may produce the same results as comparable brand-name drugs. Generic drugs are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for safety and effectiveness, and are manufactured under the same strict rules that apply to their brand-name twin. So ask your physician and pharmacist if there is a generic drug that will save you money. If no generic equivalent is available, there may still be a lower-cost alternative within the same class of drugs that performs the functions your care requires. Once again, consult with your physician on these money-saving alternatives.
Obtain a larger supply. In most instances, your cost per dosage will decrease as the amount you have dispensed at one time increases. If you will be taking a medication for an extended period of time, ask your physician if it would be appropriate to prescribe a 90-day supply rather than a 30-day supply.
Consult with your physician about alternative therapies. Before you begin a new prescription medication, talk with your doctor about non-prescription modifications to your lifestyle, diet or exercise. These changes may postpone, reduce or avoid the need for the cost of and taking a new medication.
How to Make Inquiries
Information Needed: You may contact us any time, toll-free, at 866-810-3784 for all inquiries, including, if for any reason, you become dissatisfied with the level of service provided by FamilyWize. When contacting us with an inquiry please include the following: your name, your address, your phone number, the details of your inquiry or concern, a description of the efforts that you have made to resolve the matter, all responses that anyone else has made in response to this inquiry, and how you would like to see that matter resolved.
FamilyWize Address: If you prefer to contact us in writing, please address your inquiry to: FamilyWize Community Services Partnership, Inc., PO Box 1980, Bethlehem, PA 18016. If your inquiry is in writing, we will provide you with a written response to your inquiry within fifteen days of receiving your inquiry.
More Tips
Talk with your physician
Make sure that your physician knows that saving money is important to you. Ask that they prescribe a generic equivalent or lower-cost alternative if at all appropriate. Also, make sure that they know about any other drugs you are taking that may alter the effectiveness of the medication they are prescribing. Finally, make sure that you understand the drug therapy they prescribe so that you obtain the most value from the drugs that you are about to invest in.
Understand your drug therapy
You invest a lot of money in medications. In order to get the most value for your dollar, you need to understand how to use your prescription drugs effectively. Make sure your physician and pharmacist explain how and when to take each prescription medication. Some factors to consider when trying to get the most from your medication are the effects of:
- Food and water being taken with your medication.
- The time of day you take your medication.
- Effects of other medications, including over-the-counter drugs, on your prescription.
Review your other medications
Disclose all the medications that you are taking to your physician and pharmacist
before they prescribe or dispense a new medication. Some medications may intensify
or reduce the effectiveness of another, or may even possibly duplicate the effects
of another drug you are taking.
Store your medications properly
Most medications will lose their effectiveness when they are subject to heat, moisture,
light, or time. A steamy bathroom or a purse left in a hot car are examples of bad
places to keep medicine. Store your medications in a cool, dark place. Remember
to carry your daily or weekly medications in a pillbox to avoid damaging your entire
supply of medication. Also, use local medication disposal days or permanent medication
disposal sites in your community. If your community does not have a disposal site,
federal guideline suggest mixing the medication with kitty litter or used coffee
grounds and sealing them up to be disposed of in the garbage.
Shop only at preferred pharmacies
Participating pharmacies have agreed to provide the same kind of discounts to FamilyWize cardholders that they offer large insurance companies and employers. Because of our large group buying power, we’re able to offer these savings to people who have no insurance, or limited coverage.
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