Hays County residents can save money on prescriptions thanks to a new drug discount card being distributed by United Way of Hays County.  People without health insurance, or those who need medicine not covered by insurance plans, can use the FamilyWize prescription drug discount card being distributed by United Way of Hays County. 

This card could lower the cost of your medicine by an average 35 percent.  United Way of Hays County is providing these cards free-of-charge to everyone in the community. There are no age restrictions, no income restrictions, no limit on how many times you can use it and no waiting to get a card. 

"Healthcare costs are one of the top concerns for people in our community,” said Kim Porterfield, President of United Way of Hays County board of directors.  “About 40 percent of adults don’t buy the medicine they need, have difficulty affording it, or reduce the required dosage because of the high cost. 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 or need medications not covered by their insurance, Medicare, Medicaid or VA benefits,” she said.

People with Internet access can go to www.FamilyWize.org to print a card, look up drug prices, and get a list of participating pharmacies.  Locally, cards are accepted at HEB, Wal-Mart, Walgreens, CVS, Sam’s, B&J; Drugs, Buda Drugstore, Brookshire Brothers and The Wimberley Pharmacy.

FamilyWize cards can be obtained from many of the participating local pharmacies or through United Way of Hays County partner agencies, San Marcos WIC and the Hays County Health Department clinics. 

Local businesses and employers can also get cards to give all their employees.

United Way of Hays County has joined more than 750 United Ways in all 50 states to save people $30 million in the next year on the cost of their medicine. So far, more than 10 million cards have been distributed. 

“It’s truly amazing what we can accomplish when we all work together. So many people and organizations have joined together to make this possible,” Porterfield said.  “We invite all area organizations to contact us for a supply of cards, as well as every local business to get cards for all their employees and their families.”

“We hope everyone in the community will take the time to thank their pharmacist, United Way of Hays County and everyone else involved for the difference they are making in the lives of so many people in the community,” Dan Barnes, co-chair of the FamilyWize Community Service Partnership, said. The participating pharmacies in the community have agreed voluntarily to accept the FamilyWize cards and provide these savings to people in need. United Way of Hays County is coordinating the distribution of the cards locally.

Additional information about this program is available at www.FamilyWize.org.

The United Way of Hays County was founded in 1982. Its 21 partner agencies play a vital role in carrying out the United Way of Hays County mission of building strong families, helping kids succeed and promoting health.

United Way supported services strengthen families by helping them overcome economic and emotional problems; helps children succeed in school and build relationships, values and character; and assists children, adults and seniors with illnesses, disabilities and other challenges to achieve the health and independence they deserve.