Peoria provides prescription drug relief

While most Americans are pinching pennies in every way they can, one part of life that can be extraordinarily expensive - and often with no way to reduce costs - is paying for prescription drugs.

Luckily for those Peoria residents who rely on prescription drugs to get by, the city has launched a program to help provide residents with some relief from the high cost of prescription drugs. The city is making free prescription drug discount cards available to city residents through a program sponsored by the National League of Cities.

The discount cards offer city residents average savings of 20 percent off the retail price of commonly prescribed drugs.

City officials said the cards may be used by all residents of Peoria, with no restrictions because of age, income level or existing health coverage. The NLC card can be used when purchasing prescription drugs at pharmacies around the city, as well as at more than 59,000 participating retail pharmacies across the country.

"In the current economic climate, where many people are watching what they spend, Peoria is happy to partner with the National League of Cities to make this prescription discount card available for our residents," Mayor Bob Barrett said in a press release. "Whether or not an individual has prescription coverage, this program can make it easier for our residents to afford the drugs they need to deal with a short-term illness or stay healthy by managing a chronic condition."

Cards are available at city buildings at no cost to city residents. City residents can call toll-free 1-888-620-1749 or visit www.caremark.com/nlc for assistance with the program.

"Not only does the NLC prescription discount card help residents save money on their medications, it is easy to use," said Barrett. "Peoria residents only have to show their card when purchasing medication at one of the many participating pharmacies. There is no enrollment form required to get a card, no membership fee of any kind and city residents and their family members can use the card any time their prescriptions are not covered by insurance."