Albany County announces drug discount program for residents

ALBANY -- County leaders have announced a free prescription drug discount card for residents that's expected to save them anywhere from 10 to 70 percent on prescription drugs.

County Executive Mike Breslin and County Legislature Deputy Majority Leader Shawn Morse announced the new program Monday morning. The county's partnership with ProAct, Inc., a Pharmacy Benefit Management Company, will not cost county residents or taxpayers any extra money, they said.

The discounts apply to generic and brand-name drugs, and is open to all county residents regardless of age or income level. The program should prove most beneficial to residents who are uninsured and seniors paying out of pocket to cover for the Medicare Part D coverage gap. 

ProAct will begin mailing cards to 128,404 residents' homes Monday, officials said. Discount cards will also be available at participating pharmacies and many county offices.

The card can be used in the county and at over 56,000 pharmacies nationwide. One discount card may be used for all family members and can also be used for discounts on pet medications.

There are no enrollment forms, membership fees or income requirements, Breslin and Morse said.

Albany County is the 28th in New York State to offer the program.

For more information, visit www.proactrx.com or call ProAct at 877-776-2285.