Prescription drug cards to be issued

STONINGTON, Conn. (WTNH) -- Concerns about the cost of prescription drugs have not fallen on deaf ears in Stonington. The town is now introducing a prescription drug discount card for residents.

"Primarily it will be very useful for individuals that don't have health insurance or if they do have a certain prescription that isn't covered under their insurance," Democratic First Selectman Ed Haberek said.

The first selectman says they are one of 8 in the state to join the program offered by Connecticut Conference of Municipalities which touts a savings up to 45 percent on all common prescriptions, plus discounts on dental care and Lasik eye surgery.

"It sounds like a great idea to me," Melissa Lee of North Stonington said.

The cards are accepted at pharmacies in Big Y, Stop & Shop, CVS, RiteAid, and at some local drug stores.

While a lot of folks have their own insurance, pet owners don't necessarily have pet insurance for these little guys so folks here at the Pawcatuck Veterinary Clinic also think this prescription card could be helpful.

Hannah York needed eye drops for Tucker today. She says pet insurance is too expensive. A free card could keep this tail wagging for a long time.

"For a lot of people their dogs are their kids, their friends, their family so I think it would be really important and I think I'd definitely be interested," York said.

"There are not a lot of drugs I prescribe next door to the Rite Aid's and CVS's but there are quite a few but if it can help them to afford them that's a beneficial thing," Dr. David Rosenberg of Pawcatuck Veterinary Clinic said.

Folks in Stonington can expect to get the cards in the mail in January. Joanie Thorp would like to see her town do the same.

"A card and a discount would be very helpful," Joanie Thorp of Noank said.

The cards will also be available at several of the pharmacies in town.

For more information, visit:

http://proactrx.com/conn_discount_card.php

www.stonington-ct.gov