150,000+ community members have saved an average of 45 percent on medications

When 520,000 households are struggling to make ends meet, tough choices are made every day across Miami-Dade, and staying healthy can be a difficult task. Since 2008, the United Way of Miami-Dade and FamilyWize partnership has helped more than 150,000 residents save upwards of $15 million on prescription medications – an average savings of 45 percent per medication. These savings can be the difference between someone staying healthy or taking potentially dangerous steps to curb expenses by not filling prescriptions, skipping doses or taking expired medications.

Research indicates that a typical American spends about $1,200 on prescription medications, and even more for those taking high-cost specialty medicines.* The FamilyWize Prescription Discount Card serves as a powerful instrument that lowers the cost of medicines for individuals who do not have insurance or who take medications not covered by their plans. The card can be downloaded or printed then used without any contracts or strings attached.

“With the rising cost of health care and prescription medications, our partnership with FamilyWize is ever more important to ensure families can remain healthy and strong,” Maria C. Alonso, president and CEO, United Way of Miami-Dade, said. “Programs like these help working families take the right steps to meet their health goals, ultimately building a healthier, more resilient community.”

Nationally, almost 50 percent of Americans reported using at least one prescription medication.** FamilyWize and United Way have helped 13 million people save more than $1.5 billion on prescription medication expenses. The program makes tough choices easier by helping families afford the care they need. As a result, families can avoid skimping on their medications or purchasing them from another country.

Anyone can use the discount card at pharmacies such as CVS, Kmart, Target, Walgreens and Walmart. To print a card, visit www.unitedwaymiami.org/familywize, request a card by calling 305-646-7075 or download the FamilyWize Prescription Discount Card application on your mobile device. Local businesses and employers can also get cards in bulk. For a full list of participating pharmacies or to look up drug prices, visit www.familywize.org.

Resources

* Here’s why many prescription drugs in the US cost so much – and it’s not innovation or improvement.

** National Center for Health Statistics. Health, United States, With Chartbook on Long-term Trends in Health, 2016. Some Americans take risks with needed drugs due to high costs, Consumer Reports, September 2014.