New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene Updates on BigAppleRx

The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene reported the success of the city BigAppleRx prescription discount card program.

According to a department release, the BigAppleRx program aims to provide savings on prescription medications to anyone experiencing coverage gaps, including those who have no health insurance or high co-pays or deductibles through their prescription drug insurance.

"We are thrilled to offer these meaningful savings to New Yorkers who otherwise cannot afford their prescription medications," said Paul Casali, Program Manager of BigAppleRx. "This milestone is a major achievement for the Department of Health and the City of New York, and a further testament to the commitment to the wellbeing of all New Yorkers."

"All New Yorkers deserve the right to access the prescriptions they need regardless of their income or citizenship status," said Mary Bassett, New York City Health Commissioner. "Healthcare ought to be a right rather than a privilege and programs like BigAppleRx, which reduce the cost for most prescription drugs, helps ease the burden for New Yorkers particularly those without healthcare who are struggling to make ends meet."

BigAppleRx cards are accepted at pharmacies throughout New York City and nationally. The card covers most FDA-approved prescription medications as well as some over-the-counter medications, such as smoking-cessation aids and diabetes supplies. The card is free and there is no activation or registration required.

BigAppleRx is available to everyone living in, working in, or visiting NYC, regardless of age, income, citizenship, or health insurance status. The card provides an average overall savings of 46 percent on prescription medications; 17 percent average on brand name drugs; 60 percent average on generic drugs.

The discount card is available at doctors' offices, pharmacies, and community and faith-based organizations.

The card can also be printed online at nyc.gov (search term "BigAppleRx") or at BigAppleRx.com. A card can also be obtained by calling 1-888-454-5602 or 311.

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