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UWBC targets rising prescription costs

Posted Monday, June 23, 2008

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United Way of Brazoria County is marking June 21, 2008, the National Day of Action, by distributing FamilyWize prescription drug discount cards to local pharmacies for the use of people in our area who have no health insurance or who find themselves with lapses in their prescription drug coverage.

“The United Way philosophy is that it takes everyone in the community, working together, to create a brighter future,” said Stephanie Cone, executive director United Way of Brazoria County. “Every family in Brazoria County, regardless of status, should be given the opportunity to live not only a happy life, but a healthy one as well.”

Because they have difficulty affording it, 40 percent of adults do not buy the medicine they need, or reduce the required dosage. This behavior not only limits an individual’s potential for a healthy life, it can lead to lost work hours and increased poor health, thereby exacerbating a family’s financial troubles. UWBC has set a goal to create long-lasting changes by addressing the underlying causes of these problems.

"Healthcare costs can be devastating for those families living paycheck to paycheck,” Cone emphasized. “If you don’t have health insurance, or need medicine not covered by your insurance plan, you need a FamilyWize discount card.”

The FamilyWize prescription drug discount cards will help individuals and families who otherwise could not afford to buy the medicine they need. Too many people have insufficient coverage, no prescription coverage at all, or need medications not covered by their insurance, Medicare, Medicaid or VA benefits.

Last year, this card helped Brazoria County citizens save, on average, 22 percent on their prescription purchases. There are no age or income restrictions, no limit on how many times you can use it and there is no waiting to get a card.

“We hope everyone in the community will take the time to thank their pharmacist, the United Way of Brazoria County, and everyone else involved for the difference they are making in the lives of so many people,” said Dan Barnes, Co-Chair of the FamilyWize Community Service Partnership.

On June 21 – the longest day of the year – United Ways across the country are participating in a nationwide Day of Action. With more daylight hours than any other, June 21 is the perfect day to let your actions speak louder than words. It is the perfect opportunity to show, by example, what it means to LIVE UNITED. Give. Advocate. Volunteer.

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