Forty percent of people in the U.S. in the last two years have either skipped filling a prescription or reduced their doses because the medicine was too expensive. To address this, almost 1,000 United Ways in all 50 states — including United Way in Walker, Catoosa and Dade counties — have come together in the FamilyWize community service partnership to organize and coordinate community-wide distribution of free FamilyWize prescription drug discount cards.

United Way says the FamilyWize card is easy to use and free for immediate and unlimited use. Anyone can use the FamilyWize card, and it’s accepted at 95percent of pharmacies nationwide. No enrollment or personal information is needed

Free FamilyWize prescription drug discount cards decrease the cost of medicine by an average of 35 percent or more — $17 per prescription. This program helps millions without health insurance — or who have to buy medicines not covered by insurance, Medicare or other programs — better afford their medicine and basic needs.

The uninsured and underinsured are often in poorer health. Taking medication as prescribed, with recommended frequency and dosage, prevents the spread of illness, keeps ongoing conditions under control, decreases absenteeism at work and school, reduces the cost of hospital and medical care needed by addressing health problems at earlier stages, and improves health in the entire community. United Way helps achieve this by distributing as many free FamilyWize cards as possible to lower the cost of medicine so more people can afford to buy the medicine they need.

You always get the lowest price available. Your cost will be the discount price with the FamilyWize card or the pharmacy’s usual and customary retail price, whichever is lower. You are responsible for the entire payment of the prescription medicine purchased after any discounts are applied. The FamilyWize card cannot lower the co-pay for medicine covered by insurance.

Where to get a prescription card

United Way in Walker, Catoosa and Dade counties is making the free FamilyWize prescription drug discount card available to local organizations and area residents.

These savings cards are being distributed for people with no or limited prescription drug coverage. There is no cost to you or your family for this discount card and there are no enrollment or eligibility requirements.

To get a reusable hard copy card, follow links on the United Way website and fill out the requested information to receive a card through the mail.

You can also print a card off on your printer at home when you go to the United Way website at LiveUnitedWCD.org/familywize.

You can also text to get a drug card by texting the word “Family” to 700700. An electronic free prescription card will be sent to your smart phone for you to show to your pharmacist.

Familywize cards are accepted at area pharmacies, including Walgreens, Rite Aid, CVS, Walmart, Target, Kmart, Kroger, Publix markets, Costco Wholesale Corp. and Sam’s Clubs.

To see a full list of participating pharmacies, go to LiveUnitedWCD.org/familywize.

You can take these reusable prescription cards to over 60,000 participating pharmacies for discounts on all FDA approved medicines. Call 423-752-0356 for more information.