August 2, 2006

DETROIT – Michigan Department of Community Health Director Janet Olszewski today announced a new campaign to promote the state’s official prescription drug discount card, with the goal of reaching the 50,000 barrier by January 1, 2007.

"With this new push for enrollment, we certainly hope to make all citizens aware that help to reduce their prescription drug costs is readily available through the state of Michigan," Olszewski said at an event held at a minority-owned Detroit pharmacy today. "For individuals who currently have no prescription drug coverage, the MiRx card in an invaluable tool that can be utilized to save an average of 20 percent off the cost of prescription drugs."

Olszewski will be on the road all this week promoting the card in various communities throughout lower Michigan, including Mt. Pleasant, Traverse City, and Detroit. Last week, Olszewski also was in Alpena promoting the card. MDCH also will air radio commercials promoting the MiRx card throughout August and October, she said.

The card – available to low income, working residents who do not have prescription drug coverage and are not enrolled in other government-sponsored prescription drug programs – was first debuted by Governor Jennifer M. Granholm in September 2004. Today, more than 37,000 citizens currently benefit from the MiRx Card.

Individuals who qualify for the card are able to use their discount prescription drug card at more than 2,300 pharmacies across the state, including all major chain stores.

There is no age limit to participate in Michigan’s program. To qualify for the program, family members must only be Michigan residents, have no other prescription drug coverage, and have an income level at or below the state’s median income level. For a single individual, the median income level is $27,930. For a family of four that income level is $56,550.

When enrollees present a MI-Rx card at a participating pharmacy they can expect to save approximately 20 percent off the retail price of common prescription drugs. Savings will depend on the kinds of medicines used, and if they are generic or brand name drugs. Currently, more than one million Michigan citizens do not have access to prescription drug coverage.

For enrollment information for the MI-Rx card, please call 1-866-755-6479.