Hanover Park to roll out discount prescription drug program

For those without adequate health insurance or any coverage at all, paying the soaring price of prescription drugs may come at the expense of other essentials.

But for anyone living in Hanover Park, the cost will become a bit more bearable now that the village is rolling out a prescription drug discount program.

Available through the National League of Cities, of which Hanover Park is a paying member, residents can obtain a free discount card that averages 20 percent savings at more than 60,000 participating retail pharmacies across the U.S.

“In the current economic climate, where many people are watching what they spend, the NLC prescription discount card will offer significant savings on the purchase of prescription medications for our residents,” Hanover Park Mayor Rod Craig said in a statement.

Launched by the NLC about two years ago, the program benefits residents of member cities who are without health insurance, a traditional benefit plan or have prescriptions not covered by insurance.

There are no enrollment fees or restrictions based on age, income level or existing health coverage.

Though 70 Illinois municipalities belong to the NLC, just a handful of suburbs — including Hoffman Estates, Rolling Meadows and Schaumburg — take advantage of the program.

“It hasn't been up and running that long, and sometimes it takes a while for cities to learn about the program, especially since we only have two major membership meetings a year,” NCL spokesman Greg Minchak said. “It's definitely been picking up, though.”

Hanover Park officials are still working out details as to when and how residents can obtain the money-saving cards.

Similar discount prescription drug programs exist in Cook, Lake, DuPage and McHenry counties through the National Association of Counties.

However, residents could be more likely to take advantage of the discount cards if advertised and made available at a local level.