MUSCATINE, Iowa–For years, United Way nationally had a relationship with Familywize, an organization that negotiated prescription drug prices with pharmacy chains and provided discount cards anyone could use. Recently, Familywize changed to SingleCare but continues to offer the same services. United Way of Muscatine recently received a new stock of prescription discount cards. They hope to distribute them to anyone who would benefit from one and to raise awareness about this program.
According to United Way of Muscatine Executive Director Shane Orr, anyone may use a SingleCare prescription card, whether or not they have insurance. If someone needs to fill a prescription, they present their card while picking it up and receive the discounted price. In Muscatine County, Hy-Vee, Walgreens, and Walmart’s pharmacies all accept SingleCare cards. People may use the SingleCare website to compare costs and see which pharmacy has the best discount for additional savings.
Though anyone may use a SingleCare prescription card, Orr finds that those without insurance or with insurance that lacks a prescription drug plan benefit the most. “If you have insurance, you won’t necessarily see a savings, but if you don’t, you’ll see a savings over retail price,” he explained.
An example of a SingleCare prescription discount card. Photo courtesy of United Way of Muscatine.
Unlike a coupon, people may use their SingleCare prescription cards as often as needed on all the prescription medications they need for themselves and their families. “They have no expiration, so people can use them as long as they want,” Orr emphasized.
People may come to pick up SingleCare prescription cards from United Way’s office at 615 Cedar Street, Suite 200 in Muscatine, during their open hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Several social services agencies in Muscatine County expressed interest in having SingleCare cards available for their clients. Orr encourages people to ask any other organizations they work with if they have them.
According to the most recent Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed (ALICE) report put out by United Way for Iowa, the number of people living in poverty combined with those making too much to qualify for federal assistance but not enough to meet all their needs in Muscatine County rose by 4% from 2019 to 2021. With many economic factors continuing to strain families, Orr sees the SingleCare prescription cards as a simple but effective way to help people in need afford the medicines they require to live healthier lives. “Unfortunately, some people avoid getting prescriptions because they can’t afford the out-of-pocket cost; hopefully, this will help people.”
