2008 Woodie Awards
Rx Program to provide prescriptions
By: Meredith Mayberry
Issue date: 3/28/08 Section: News
Health insurance is a luxury that most college students cannot afford.
Now they will not have to.
The Michigan Rx Card Program, powered by a division of the United Networks of America, provides all Michigan residents the opportunity to have discounted prescriptions.
"It's for everyone," said Chad Melancon, program director. "Every one resident of Michigan benefits."
When presented at nearly any pharmacy in Michigan, the card can save up to 75 percent on a prescription purchase. The average savings is about 30 percent, according to business Web site www.mibiz.com.
The card is printable from any computer. The official Web site, www.michiganrxcard.com, only requires a first and last name with the option of giving an e-mail address to receive updates.
"You may create as many cards as you need," according to the Web site.
Melancon said CMU students have called his company asking for information regarding the program.
"What's important to know and realize is that it's a free prescription drug card that helps students, faculty, friends and family," Melancon said.
Jackson freshman Dawn Marentay said it is nice to see something that helps everyone.
"A lot of times, the government will do things to help really needy people, but we're in college - we're the middle class and we usually get a bad deal," she said.
The program was created last November to help every Michigan resident. However, Melancon said the greatest benefits come to residents with no health insurance or prescription coverage.
The card even can give discounts to pet medication, according to mibiz.com.
"I have health insurance, but I also use a Michigan Rx Card," Melancon said. "The more options I have, the more opportunity I have for savings."
More than 50,000 pharmacies across the country accept the cards, including Kmart, Walgreens and Rite Aid, as well as a number of other chain drug stores. There are thousands of independent pharmacies that also accept the card.
Kmart is Michigan Rx Card's preferred pharmacy.
"If you go into Kmart without your card, they'll honor it," Melancon said.
The program is supported through the pharmacy companies and pharmacies themselves.
"We send them business and the customers receive the benefits," Melancon said.
Melancon said the program is the first of its kind.
"There are no strings attached," he said.
Where other programs have restrictions regarding age or insurance, the Michigan Rx Card Program has none. There is no paperwork necessary and it is a pre-activated card.
Jonesville freshman Elizabeth Curtis said the program is a huge benefit for people who do not have insurance.
"I have good insurance, so I don't know if I would go to the trouble of printing it off," she said.
news@cm-life.com
Now they will not have to.
The Michigan Rx Card Program, powered by a division of the United Networks of America, provides all Michigan residents the opportunity to have discounted prescriptions.
"It's for everyone," said Chad Melancon, program director. "Every one resident of Michigan benefits."
When presented at nearly any pharmacy in Michigan, the card can save up to 75 percent on a prescription purchase. The average savings is about 30 percent, according to business Web site www.mibiz.com.
The card is printable from any computer. The official Web site, www.michiganrxcard.com, only requires a first and last name with the option of giving an e-mail address to receive updates.
"You may create as many cards as you need," according to the Web site.
Melancon said CMU students have called his company asking for information regarding the program.
"What's important to know and realize is that it's a free prescription drug card that helps students, faculty, friends and family," Melancon said.
Jackson freshman Dawn Marentay said it is nice to see something that helps everyone.
"A lot of times, the government will do things to help really needy people, but we're in college - we're the middle class and we usually get a bad deal," she said.
The program was created last November to help every Michigan resident. However, Melancon said the greatest benefits come to residents with no health insurance or prescription coverage.
The card even can give discounts to pet medication, according to mibiz.com.
"I have health insurance, but I also use a Michigan Rx Card," Melancon said. "The more options I have, the more opportunity I have for savings."
More than 50,000 pharmacies across the country accept the cards, including Kmart, Walgreens and Rite Aid, as well as a number of other chain drug stores. There are thousands of independent pharmacies that also accept the card.
Kmart is Michigan Rx Card's preferred pharmacy.
"If you go into Kmart without your card, they'll honor it," Melancon said.
The program is supported through the pharmacy companies and pharmacies themselves.
"We send them business and the customers receive the benefits," Melancon said.
Melancon said the program is the first of its kind.
"There are no strings attached," he said.
Where other programs have restrictions regarding age or insurance, the Michigan Rx Card Program has none. There is no paperwork necessary and it is a pre-activated card.
Jonesville freshman Elizabeth Curtis said the program is a huge benefit for people who do not have insurance.
"I have good insurance, so I don't know if I would go to the trouble of printing it off," she said.
news@cm-life.com
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