CARY, N.C.  – Prescription Benefits Manager Paramount Rx saved U.S. customers $500 million on their prescriptions in 2019 through its Community Cares Rx prescription discount program. The program’s free prescription discount card helps provide immediate savings to millions of underinsured and uninsured American families, strengthening communities by giving people an easier path to affordable prescriptions.

According to a recent study from the Commonwealth Fund, more Americans are underinsured today compared to 2014. Underinsured patients often forego medical care to avoid high deductibles and out-of-pocket expenses, making prescription savings programs like Community Cares Rx more important than ever.

“As healthcare costs continue to rise, many of our customers are looking for ways to save on prescriptions,” said Ron Richmond, senior vice president of provider relations at Paramount Rx. “We understand the complex cost decisions facing the underinsured or uninsured, and our goal with the Community Cares Rx program is to help offset the cost of prescriptions and support customers in getting the care they need.”

Building on its commitment to health and wellness initiatives, Paramount Rx sponsored several wellness initiatives in 2019, including complimentary health screenings at Giant Eagle Pharmacy and Hannaford Pharmacy events, as well as free flu vaccinations at H-E-B Feast of Sharing events.

Hundreds of customers received a complimentary screening at Hannaford Pharmacy’s events, which was the pharmacy’s largest wellness pilot program to-date.

“As a community pharmacist, I really enjoy getting out from behind the counter and engaging the public,” said Matt Alter, Hannaford Health Pharmacist of the Year. “Having done these health screenings for the past two years, I feel that my customers have a greater appreciation for a pharmacist’s accessibility and ability to help guide them with their medical decisions. I am proud Hannaford is focused on providing this service to our community.” 

Hannaford Health plans to expand its wellness program with additional health screening events in the spring.

https://www.chaindrugreview.com/paramount-rx-saves-patients-500-million-on-prescriptions-in-2019/

The body is a fascinating structure. It’s constantly evolving and changing, especially as you grow older. These developments aren’t always welcomed, as issues with your health start to percolate with each birthday — 85% of Americans over the age of 60 use prescription drugs, according to the National Center for Health Statistics. 

These drugs, along with over-the-counter medications, have side effects. They vary in each individual depending on a variety of factors, including age. When you age, your liver and kidney decrease in size, leading to functional changes. You also keep more water and experience body fat percentage increases. 

What does this mean? Your kidneys slow down, making it harder to process medications. This can lead to more toxic reactions and doses that last longer than normal, thus magnifying the side effects. To help keep you safe and feeling comfortable with your medications, we used the American Geriatrics Society (AGS) Criteria for Potentially Inappropriate Medication Use in Older Adults to highlight medications to shy away from, prescription drugs to reduce or be mindful of, and certain drug-drug interactions that can become problematic. More...