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This Web site contains a compilation of more than a thousand consumer finance  columns written by Tony Novak from the 1980s through 2006, updated and reformatted for maximum usefulness today.  New material was added after 2010.

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Discount drug card question

originally posted: 11/22/2006  reposted: 2/18/2011 This post has not been recently reviewed or revised by the author and may be out of date. If you notice an error or are in doubt, please send a new question by email or ask for an update. Email asktony@tonynovak.com.

Q: I'm confused by the following statement....it appears to have conflicting information, indicating a prescription drug discount is included in addition to the plan, but then the last line says "The Rx Drug Card is not affiliated...nor is it a part of the Secure 12x3 STM insurance plan". So which is it? Is a prescription drug discount card included in the plan? If so, what's the name of it and can I get some further information about it?

A: Both statements are correct. "Secure STM" (both the short term and the three year plan) - as well as most other modern health insurance plans - include a prescription discount card that is managed by a separate organization than the health insurance company. There are about 70 prescription discount plans in operation in the U.S. and all seem to be of reasonably good quality. All FreedomBenefits.net users are entitled to a discount prescription drug card at no cost with or without the purchase of an insurance policy. Apparently the plan administrator (HPA) does not advertise the name of its discount drug plan provider. There may be a legal reason for this so we did not include it here. Since it is a free benefit, there is no required disclosure but you could call HPA at (800) 277-3323 with any specific questions. But be aware that they will not be able to answer questions like "How much will my medicine cost at the Main Street pharmacy?". You will actually have to take the card to the pharmacy to find out. For what it is worth, we have helped a few dozen people with various usage questions about this particular discount drug card and we have not heard any negative feedback. Users like the fact that the discount card provides an immediate benefit without the need to meet a policy deductible and can be used with pre-existing prescriptions.

Summary

More resources:

Secure STM 12x3

FreedomBenefits.net