SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – The Government of Puerto Rico and Together Rx Access announced today the launch of the Together Rx Access PARA PUERTO RICO Card to help thousands of eligible uninsured Puerto Ricans access immediate and meaningful savings on prescription medicines and products right at the pharmacy counter. Most Together Rx Access cardholders save 25 to 40 percent(1) on hundreds of brand-name prescription products. Savings are also available on thousands of generics. The Together Rx Access PARA PUERTO RICO Card is free to get and free to use.
The collaboration will utilize existing communications channels within the Government to identify uninsured residents who may benefit from the prescription savings program. These outreach efforts will cost nothing to the Government while having the potential to help many residents stay healthy and manage chronic conditions, which can be more difficult in a challenging economy.
“The Together Rx Access PARA PUERTO RICO Card is a valuable and much needed resource that can help uninsured Puerto Ricans take better care of their health, especially those individuals suffering from chronic diseases who may need prescription medicines to manage these conditions,” said Governor Luis Fortuno. “We are pleased to be able to offer Puerto Ricans another option for meeting their healthcare needs.”
Chronic diseases, including heart disease, cancer and diabetes, are the leading causes of death and illness in Latin America and the Caribbean.(2) In Puerto Rico, cardiovascular diseases including heart disease, hypertension and high cholesterol are responsible for more than 30 percent of all deaths.(3) In addition, more than 20 percent of Puerto Ricans suffer from chronic respiratory diseases such as asthma.(4)
“This collaboration with Puerto Rico will help open the door to improved prescription access for many more uninsured residents, and we are grateful for the support of Governor Fortuno,” said Roba Whiteley, Executive Director of Together Rx Access. “Together Rx Access was created as a philanthropic initiative to help the uninsured, and our pharmaceutical member companies remain committed to finding new ways of reaching those who may benefit the most from the prescription savings. In fact, Together Rx Access is the only multi-manufacturer program offering its cardholders immediate access to savings on hundreds of brand-name prescription medicines, as well as thousands of generics.”
The income levels for which individuals are eligible for a Together Rx Access PARA PUERTO RICO Card range from $45,000 for a single person to $90,000 for a family of four. In addition, individuals must be legal residents of Puerto Rico or the United States, and have no public or private prescription coverage or qualify for Medicare.
“In the economic environment of today some prescription drugs can be inaccessible to the uninsured,” said Pedro Pierluisi, Resident Commissioner of Puerto Rico. “It is my hope that by expanding this Program, it will result in better access to adequate medical treatment throughout Puerto Rico.”
“This is an excellent opportunity to bring additional awareness of a free program that is available to the majority of Puerto Ricans, who may otherwise not be able to afford their prescription medicines,” said Kenneth D. McClintock, Secretary of State. “It is important for community leaders and healthcare professionals to discuss Together Rx Access, and other assistance programs, with those they serve.”
Together Rx Access offers potential cardholders a simple enrollment process. Individuals have the option of enrolling online at TogetherRxAccess.com, calling a toll-free number 1-877-789-2346, or completing a short paper application and returning it by mail. All enrollment materials, including the Together Rx Access website, are available in English and Spanish.