Residents of New York State who are not already receiving Medicaid, have an annual household income less than $35,000 (single) or $50,000 (married). and are between the ages of 50 to 65 years may now receive a pharmacy discount card that can lower the cost of prescriptions by as much as 60 percent on generics and 30 percent on brand name drugs.

Once you get the card, all you need to do is go to a participating pharmacy and show it to the clerk to get your discount. This program, referred to as NYP$, is sponsored by New York State and supported by pharmacies and pharmaceutical manufacturers who are generously providing these discounts.

How to Apply

Go to their web site and fill out the application. The application is available in both English and Spanish.

Other states might also have similar programs. Find out if your state does, ask your pharmacist, doctor and the social workers at your hospital. If you live in a state that does not have a similar program, ask your local legislators, why not?

(Thank you to Jack David Marcus for letting me know about this program)

Joel T Nowak MA, MSW