Kalispell residents are now eligible for a discount of 20 percent off the price of commonly prescribed drugs, through a new program offered by the city.
“There are virtually no strings attached and it’s free,” Terry Mitton, Kalispell’s human resources director, said. “It’s just a really good deal.”
The program, sponsored by the National League of Cities (NLC), allows residents to pick up prescription drug discount cards from most city of Kalispell buildings, including the public safety building, City Hall, and the Parks and Recreation Department building, among others. With the card, residents are then able to receive a roughly 20 percent discount on drugs – which is being honored by 15 pharmacies throughout Kalispell, and 59,000 retail pharmacies throughout the country.
Anyone living in Kalispell is eligible for the discount card, Mitton said, regardless of age, income level or health coverage, though it’s aimed at those not receiving in discounts on prescriptions through their current plans. Family members are each eligible for their own card.
“It’s strictly designed for people who, unfortunately, do not have any prescription drug coverage at all,” Mitton added. “There are a lot of them out there.”
The cards are also available at the Flathead Job Service, and staff there have been distributing the cards at workplaces where layoffs are occurring.
Mayor Pam Kennedy first learned of the program at an NLC conference last fall, Mitton said, and the drug discount took effect June 17. Brochures for the discount have been flying off the shelves, Mitton said, and he has had to restock the racks regularly over the last week. Residents can also access the drug discount form at the city’s Web site, www.kalispell.com, and print out the card at home.
“Print out the card, stick it in your wallet and you’re good to go,” Mitton said. “It’s a wonderful program.”