Drug-makers join in offering senior discount card

Associated Press

WASHINGTON — Seven major drug companies are offering elderly consumers a discount card that will let them save on more than 100 brand-name drugs.

The Together RX Card will be offered free to eligible Medicare enrollees, the companies said.

Participating in the new card are Abbott Laboratories, AstraZeneca, Aventis, Bristol-Myers Squibb Co., GlaxoSmithKline, Johnson & Johnson and Novartis.

Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy Thompson, in a statement, called the card a "tremendous new initiative."

In announcing the card the companies said it will offer discounts on more than 145 widely used drugs, including many used to treat asthma, arthritis, depression, diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol.

There is no charge for the cards, which will be available to people who lack prescription drug coverage and have incomes of up to $28,000, or $38,000 for couples.

The companies said discounts will range from 20 percent to 40 percent off the price individuals usually pay.

Enrollment for the Together RX Card begins immediately and the cards become effective in June, according to the announcement.

The companies said other drug firms are welcome to join the group.

Two other major pharmaceutical companies have announced their own discount cards — Pfizer, Inc., and Eli Lilly and Co.