CONNECTICUT, USA — Connecticut lawmakers launched a new program this month to help people save up to 80% on prescription drugs. The ArrayRX discount card is free for all state residents.
“All Connecticut residents, whether they’re young or seniors, are experiencing the high costs of prescription drugs. And the ArrayRX card is our attempt to try to lower those costs for them,” said Connecticut’s Comptroller, Sean Scanlon.
To use the digital card, you simply sign up online and download it on your phone or take a picture of it. You may also print it out. Scanlon said it will be accepted at 98% of pharmacies across Connecticut. To see whether your pharmacy accepts it, click here.
You can also check if it covers a certain medication by clicking here.
“This is really a tool in your toolkit. So, what we’re telling people is go in, talk to your pharmacist, try your insurance, try the ArrayRX card, and whatever is cheaper, use it,” Scanlon said.
Within the first week of launching the program on Oct. 2nd, Scanlon said 9,000 people signed up for it. However, he wants more people to take advantage of the free service. So, he’s been making his rounds across the state to spread the word. On Tuesday, he visited the Waterbury Senior Center.
“This card is not meant to solve the high cost of drugs, it’s meant to help offset the high cost of drugs,” Scanlon said. “In most cases, we’re seeing that people actually are saving by using it, and we’re just asking people to give it a try.”
Waterbury resident, William Melendez, said he was happy to see something like this being implemented.
“I hope it works. Because the drugs are real expensive. Especially whoever is a diabetic taking insulin. Their drugs are outrageous. There’s people going to Canada to get the drugs for cheaper,” Melendez said.
Melendez said he’s lucky he has insurance to help him out with his insulin payments, but he knows others may not be in the same boat. He said he plans to use this card for other prescription drugs, which he often goes without.
“Now, since everything is going up except your paycheck. If you don’t have the money, there’s nothing you can do. You deal without it. Sometimes, I’d rather buy the food than the medication,” Melendez said.
Scanlon said many Connecticut residents are in the same boat. Whereas others may not need to utilize this program.
“But if you’re one of the many people in Connecticut, who are saying, hey my insurance isn’t covering the cost of these drugs, and I’m now having to make difficult decisions of paying my rent and eating versus taking drugs I need to get healthy, this card is for you,” Scanlon said.
For those who may not be as tech savy, Scanlon recommends calling his office for help at (860) 702-3300. Those at ArrayRX can also be reached at (800) 913-4146. Scanlon also recommends visiting your local senior center for help.
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