Portland Takes Part in Prescription Discount Drug Program

The following is a press release from the office of First Selectwoman Susan Bransfield.

Portland, through its association with the Connecticut Conference of Municipalities (CCM), the statewide association of towns and cities, is now providing a new prescription discount card that will provide uninsured and underinsured residents steep savings on prescription medicines.

Portland is a member of CCM and this new program is only available to CCM member-communities.

 In Connecticut, over 10 percent of Connecticut residents – nearly 360,000 people – currently lack health insurance and prescription plans and another 800,000 residents are underinsured. There are over 50 million uninsured individuals living in the United States.

 The “Town of Portland Prescription Drug Discount Card” helps residents save money on their prescription medications any time their prescription is not covered by insurance.  This new prescription discount card will provide immediate fiscal relief at the pharmacy counter for uninsured and underinsured residents and offers the following features and benefits:

There are over 63,000 participating pharmacies nationwide, including Bordonaro’s Pharmacy and Rite-Aid , both on Main Street.

• Anyone can participate regardless of age or income
• All prescription medications are covered including pet prescriptions that can be filled at a pharmacy
• There is no cost to the municipality or to participating residents
• Discounts are also offered on other medical services including vision, hearing and Lasik services

 “It is a clear win for our town. Please visit our local pharmacies here in Portland, including Bordonaro’s and Rite Aid.  Thanks to CCM for ensuring better access to prescription coverage.” said Susan Bransfield, First Selectman of Portland.

“CCM is pleased to offer this valuable community service to Portland,” said CCM Executive Director and CEO Jim Finley. “Many families are struggling and even some families with health insurance may not have all their prescriptions covered. This program will help them save money on any medicines not covered by their insurance.”

Each residence in Portland will receive a “Town of Portland Prescription Discount Card” by direct mail which they may use at any participating retail pharmacy.  Cards may be used by all town residents regardless of age, income or existing health coverage.  There are no enrollment forms, membership fees, restrictions or limits on frequency of use for residents.  Cardholders and their family members are encouraged to use the cards any time their prescriptions are not covered by insurance.  Cards will also be printed by visiting www.CTRxDiscountCard.com, and selecting Portland from the drop-down menu.