RushCard introduces free prescription drug discount program

While lawmakers debate over proposals to make healthcare more affordable, RushCard is doing its part to lessen the burden for its cardholders by introducing a free prescription drug discount program. Russell Simmons today announced plans to give out at least 1 million of the free prescription drug discount cards to his RushCard members, which will entitle them and their families to discounts of up to 85% on their prescription drugs.

Interested members can receive discounts of 10 to 85 percent on their generic and brand name prescription drugs. Members can enroll in the free program through their online RushCard account. The discount card can then be printed and taken to the cardholder's pharmacy of choice along with a prescription to receive the discount.

"Many people, including our members, have to make hard choices every day. People have to choose between paying their bills or buying their prescription drugs," said philanthropist and entrepreneur Russell Simmons. "Our new prescription card program will give our cardholders the resources to make those choices a little easier. Our members' physical health is just as important to us as their financial health."

At RushCard.com, cardholders can search for and locate participating pharmacies and drug prices in order to plan ahead and find their best price. The prescription drug discount program will be accepted at more than 56,000 participating pharmacies nationwide, including chains and independent pharmacies.

Each year, prescription drug costs increase and in many cases people go without proper treatment for their illness because they can't afford to pay the cost of prescribed medication. According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, an April 2008 survey found that uninsured nonelderly adults (ages 18-64) are more than twice as likely as insured nonelderly adults to say that they or a family member did not fill a prescription (45 percent vs 22 percent), cut pills or skipped doses of medicine (38 percent vs 18 percent) in the past year because of the cost.

"We're very excited to be able to provide this much-needed service and hope that people will take advantage of it," said Ram Palaniappan, RushCard's General Manager.

Members can enroll in the program for themselves and their families or give the card as a gift to loved ones. RushCard members with existing insurance plans can still participate in the prescription drug program and receive additional benefits to assist them and their families.