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News Release Sangamo Scripts Prescription Drug Program Announcement
Participating Pharmacies In Springfield And Surrounding Areas While so much attention lately has been focused on people purchasing prescription medication from other countries in order to save money, Sangamon County officials today announced their Sangamo Scripts program saved Sangamon County residents over $161,000 in its first year. Sangamo Scripts, a pharmaceutical discount program for any Sangamon County resident over the age of 18 who is not covered by Public Aid, began in October of 2002. The idea for the program arose from some casual discussion among a few County Board members about the rising costs of prescription drugs. A special committee of the County Board was created to research the concept of providing such a program in Sangamon County. With the help of a consulting firm, the Sangamon County Board selected a pharmaceutical benefits manager, Advance PCS, to provide the pharmacy benefit services for County residents. The County Board approved a contract with Advance PCS in August of 2002. Initial printing and promotion costs, totaling slightly over $30,000 were absorbed by the County. A $25,000 Illinois First grant secured by Representative Raymond Poe has still not been released by Governor Blagojevich. All other minor costs associated with submitting applicant data for enrollment are covered by the Sangamon County Department of Public Health (SCDPH). Any Sangamon County resident over the age of 18 who is not covered by Public Aid is eligible to enroll in Sangamo Scripts. Children under 18 can be covered by a parent or guardian under the plan. There is no charge for applying. Applicants are issued a hard card within 2 weeks of submitting their application to SCDPH. Sangamo Scripts members simply present their card upon visiting a participating Sangamon County pharmacy for their discount. “Sangamo Scripts performed exceptionally well in its first year,” said Sangamo Scripts Committee Chairman Jeff Fulgenzi. First year numbers are as follows: 3,946 Sangamon County families enrolled It was originally anticipated that 1,000 families per year for the first 3 years would enroll in Sangamo Scripts. “This higher than anticipated enrollment is just further evidence of the need people have for assistance with their prescription medications” said Clyde Bunch, also a member of the County Board’s Sangamo Scripts committee. Other committee members include Rosemarie Long, Jane Van Hoos, and Cathy Scaife. People interested in applying for Sangamo Scripts may pick up an application
at any participating Sangamon County pharmacy or the health department. A list
of participating pharmacies can be found on the County’s web site www.co.sangamon.il.us |
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-Sangamo Scripts Application