September 18, 2006

LANSING – Almost 40,000 citizens are currently using Michigan’s two-year old prescription drug discount card, a testament to the program’s continued value for low income citizens, Governor Jennifer M. Granholm announced today as the MI-Rx card celebrates its second birthday.

“When I first took office in 2003, I promised to do whatever I could to reduce the cost of prescription drugs, and the MI-Rx card represents tangible evidence of that continued commitment,” Granholm said. “For individuals who currently have no prescription drug coverage, the MI-Rx card in an invaluable tool that can be utilized to save an average of 20 percent off the cost of prescription drugs.”

Today, thanks to the MI-Rx card, more than 38,000 citizens receive an average savings of 20 percent of the cost of their prescription drugs. In July, the Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) unveiled a new campaign to promote the state’s official prescription drug discount card. Granholm has pledged to enroll 50,000 citizens in the program by January 1, 2007.

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 Granholm in September 2004. Today, more than 37,000 citizens currently benefit from the Mi-Rx Card.

“The Michigan prescription drug discount card provides much needed assistance for the low income working men, women and families who struggle with the high cost of prescription drugs,” said Janet Olszewski, MDCH Director. “With more than one million uninsured residents in Michigan, the card fills a critical gap in our health care system by making prescription drugs more affordable for those who have nowhere else to turn.”

Individuals who qualify for the card use it 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, 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 regarding the MI-Rx card, please call 1-866-755-6479.