The City launched its first official prescription drug discount card two years ago

New York, NY- Today, City Council Speaker Christine C. Quinn announced that since its debut in May 2011, the BigAppleRx prescription drug discount card has saved more than 125,000 New Yorkers a total of $15,546,017 on prescription medications, for an overall savings of 47 percent. Established by Council legislation, the BigAppleRx card is free of charge, available to anyone regardless of age, income, citizenship or health insurance status and accepted at thousands of pharmacies citywide, including major regional and national chains.

“The success of BigAppleRx cannot be understated – it has taken a huge bite out of prescription drug costs for New Yorkers who might otherwise have to choose between buying medication or paying rent or putting food on the table,” said Speaker Quinn. “Health care continues to be a growing cost for our residents, and it’s through programs like BigAppleRx that the City and our partners are trying innovative ways to ease this burden and keep people healthy.”

“I am thrilled that this program has proven to be a success. Health care costs are a concern for so many New Yorkers, and I am glad that BigAppleRx can give them a little peace of mind by saving them money on the medicine they need to stay well,” said Health Committee Chair Maria del Carmen Arroyo.

“All New Yorkers should be able to access the prescription medications they need at an affordable price,” said Dr. Thomas Farley, New York City Health Commissioner. “The BigAppleRx card is helping those who don’t have prescription drug coverage by giving them meaningful discounts on these medicines.”

New Yorkers saved 61 percent on generic prescription drugs and 17 percent on name brand prescription drugs since 2011, with a total of 412,061 claims discounted through BigAppleRx. People can easily download and print the card by visiting www.bigapplerx.com or by downloading the iPhone or Android app and presenting the card to pharmacists right from their phone.

For more information on how to get the BigAppleRx card or locate participating pharmacies, visit www.bigapplerx.com or call 311.

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