Press release:

April 7th launches a program to help provide residents with some relief from the high cost of prescription medications. Through the program -- sponsored by the National League of Cities (NLC) -- the city is making free prescription discount cards available to city residents. The discount cards offer city residents an average of 23 percent savings off the retail price of prescription medications.

Burien has a similar program for its residents.

The NLC Prescription Discount Card can be used by all residents of Des Moines and has no restrictions based on a resident’s age, income level, or existing health coverage. The card can be used at approximately four pharmacies in the city, as well as at more than 60,000 participating retail pharmacies across the country.

“Given the current economic climate, where many people need to watch what they spend, we are happy to partner with the National League of Cities to make this prescription discount card available to our residents,” said Des Moines Mayor Dave Kaplan. “This card helps residents who are completely uninsured, as well as residents who have insurance, but have specific medications that are not covered by their insurance. In both scenarios, residents experience significant savings on prescription medications not covered by health plans.”

Residents can obtain a free NLC Prescription Discount Card in a number of ways. They can print them from the Internet at www.caremark.com/nlc or can get a card at Des Moines Activity Center, Des Moines Field House, Des Moines Library and the Des Moines Area Food Bank. Residents can also use www.caremark.com/nlc to locate the nearest participating pharmacy or call toll-free at 1.888.620.1749 for assistance with the program.

“We’re pleased to have joined forces with the City of Des Moines to help their residents maintain their health in a cost-effective way,” said Marc Shapiro, Program Director, National League of Cities. “By offering a health-focused program that provides significant cost savings and is easy to use, we are helping our member cities target an important need among their residents. We hope that the Prescription Discount Card program brings to residents welcome relief from the high cost of prescriptions.”

CVS Caremark administers the NLC Prescription Discount Card program.