Frequently Asked Questions about the Dakota County Pharmacy Discount Card Program
What is the Dakota County Pharmacy Discount Card Program?
Dakota County has teamed with several local pharmacies to offer residents a Pharmacy Discount Drug Card Program that makes prescription drugs more affordable for people without insurance coverage for medications.
How do I participate in the program?
- Download the program brochure or pick up a copy at a participating pharmacy or one of the county service centers in Apple Valley, West St. Paul and Hastings. (You may also request the brochure by e-mail or by calling the Public Health Department at 651-554-6100.)
- Present the program brochure to one of the participating pharmacies. The pharmacy will enroll you in the program and provide the discount. You may receive a card for future prescriptions.
How much does it cost to participate in the program? There is no cost to join the program. Check with your pharmacist about joining the program and the cost of your medications.
Do I need a card to participate?
No. You may receive a card from a participating pharmacy when you receive your first discount, but you do not need a card to participate.
How much is the discount? The discount on your medications will vary depending on the medication and the pharmacy. Each pharmacy decides what the discount is for a specific medication. Not all drugs are discounted. In general, the discounts will be similar to the discounts offered to large employers by insurance companies. Check with your pharmacy for the amount of the discount.
What pharmacies in Dakota County can I go to for the discount? Many pharmacies in Dakota County have agreed to participate in the program. Check the
list of participating pharmacies for the most up-to-date listing.
My pharmacy is not on the list – how can my pharmacy join the program? Pharmacies in Dakota County may join the program at any time. Your pharmacist can contact
Public Health Intake for more information.
Can I use the discount at more than one pharmacy?
Yes, you can use any of the pharmacies in the program. However, we recommend that you use one pharmacy so that your pharmacist can help you manage your medications.
How does this discount program work with my health insurance or Medicare Part D? If a prescription medication is covered through your health insurance or Medicare Part D, you cannot receive an additional discount through this program. Check with your pharmacist if your insurance plan or Medicare Part D does not cover a drug or if you have questions about your coverage for medications.
Can I have prescriptions mailed to me? Many pharmacies will mail prescriptions to your home. Contact your pharmacy for more information.
Are there other options for help with the cost of medications? Yes. Many pharmaceutical companies offer programs to assist people with the cost of medications. The
Minnesota Department of Health has a webpage with links to many resources. Another resource is the
FamilyWize Pharmacy Discount Program that the United Way is promoting.
Is Dakota County subsidizing the cost of this program? No. Dakota County does not pay the pharmacies or cover any costs of the discounted drugs. The county has organized the pharmacy discount card program to make it easier for people without insurance coverage for medications to receive a discount from their pharmacy.
Who do I contact if I have additional questions about the program?
Contact
Public Health Intake or call 651-554-6115.