Members Save Rx Dollars With Co-op Connections
Savings on prescription (Rx) medicine continue to grow as more families show their Co-op Connections cards at local pharmacy counters. For people without insurance, discounts are among the best offered. Card users also report the discount rivals insurance coverage on many drugs, and covers some medications excluded from insurance plans.
"Card use at local pharmacies has more than doubled compared to last year," says Communications Assistant Rod Smerkar, who coordinates Cuivre River's Co-op Connections Card program. Savings already exceed $33,000, compared to $14,000 during the same period in 2010. The discount now averages 39% this year, and topped 43% in July.
"It pays to check the Co-op Connections Card Rx discount even if you have some type of insurance coverage," he adds. "We've heard from people who actually received a better discount using the card than with their insurance. It pays to compare what your best option will be." Simply present the card at the pharmacy counter and they will verify your pricing options.
Local businesses also offer discounts when you show your card.
New local partners include:
- Troy Furniture Co., Troy: Save 5% on regular or sale-priced items.
- O'Fallon Chiropractic, O'Fallon: New patients receive a consultation, exam and 30-minute chair massage for $29.
Co-op Connections cards are free to Cuivre River members and families. For new or replacement cards call Rod Smerkar, 800.392.3709, ext. 330.
A Pharmacist's Perspective
Cuivre River's Pharmacy Discount Is "The Best"
“We see a variety of pharmacy discount programs come across the counter, and the Co-op Connections Card discount is the best of any program we’ve seen so far,” says Lake Saint Louis Walmart Pharmacy Manager Ken Byerley.
That’s a strong statement from someone who’s always looking for ways to help customers find good value.
Byerley, who’s also a Cuivre River member, continues, “We try to remind people about the Cuivre River discount. In times like these, people are more cautious of where their money is going, especially if they don’t have any prescription coverage.”
Members who learn about the discount while visiting the pharmacy will often contact Cuivre River to acquire replacement Co-op Connections Cards, plus get a brief explanation of how the program works. It’s easy - simply show your pharmacist the back of the Co-op Connections Card. All pertinent information is there to check a drug’s price. Find out if it's the best price for you.
The expected pharmacy discount is between 10 - 60% off the retail price. "Since Cuivre River began offering the Co-op Connections Card program two years ago, savings average more than 36%," says Cuivre River's Rod Smerkar, who coordinates the program. Saving money becomes more important each day.
Sometimes hard choices need to be made during tough economic times. According to Byerley,
“This discount truly means that people can get their necessary medicines, instead of choosing to do without.” The savings can then be applied towards other necessities, stretching a dollar even further.
The Co-op Connections Card pharmacy discount is offered by most pharmacies in the Cuivre River service area. It's also accepted by more than 60,000 pharmacies across the country, thanks to Touchstone Energy’s affiliation with Health Trans network pharmacies.
To learn more about Health Trans network pharmacies or obtain a card, call Rod Smerkar, 800.392.3709, ext. 330. To print your own emergency card, visit www.cuivre.com. “This discount truly means that people can get their necessary medicines, instead of choosing to do without.”
— Ken Byerley, Lake Saint Louis
Walmart Pharmacy Manager
Rx Savings Multiply For Cuivre River Members
Just like a swift-moving train rolling down the tracks, the Co-op Connections Card pharmacy discount plan for Cuivre River members continues to gain momentum. More savings means more money in your pocket to spend on other necessities.
Although savings on prescription medicines are expected to range between 10 - 60%, savings are sometimes even higher. "Members are calling to say they are thrilled with the savings," says Communications Assistant Rod Smerkar, who works closely with the program. "In fact, two members report discounts of more than 90%!"
Average savings in January, the most recent data available, were 26%.
During 2009, CREC members used their Co-op Connections card to purchase $45,800.55 worth of prescription medication for a total of $27,159.86. They saved $18,640.69, more than 40% on average.
The Co-op Connections Card pharmacy discount is offered at pharmacies throughout the Cuivre River service area, and more than 60,000 locations across the country, thanks to Touchstone Energy’s affiliation with Health Trans pharmacies.
How can you save? Simply show your pharmacist the back of the Co-op Connections Card. All pertinent information is there.
Need a card? If you’ve misplaced your Co-op Connections Card, you can call or visit your nearest Cuivre River office for a replacement. If you need to fill a prescription in a hurry, you can print your own personalized pharmacy discount card from the website, www.cuivre.com. Look for the card icon on the home page, click "Search for Discount Search" and choose the "Pharmacy Discounts" option.
In addition to printing your card here, you can easily check the price of a prescription drug even before going to the pharmacy. You can type the drug name and zip code to get pricing from all participating area pharmacies.
The discount can’t be used with insurance, but if you check prices you can see which is the better deal — your insurance co-pay or the Co-op Connections discount.
The Co-op Connections Card pharmacy discount is ideal for individuals and families who do not have prescription insurance coverage, or for those who have a high co-pay.
No internet access? Call 1.800.800.7616 to have a pharmacy discount representative check the price for you.
If you have questions or need more information about the pharmacy program or other discounts, please call 636.528.8261, 636.695.4700 or 1.800.392.3709, ext. 330.