A discount prescription plan is a medical plan that allows you to acquire prescription medicines at a discounted price or even free of cost at times. These discount prescription plans are usually sponsored by several government bodies besides private organizations, clubs and committees. More commonly, these organizations are groups formed by medical practitioners, patient advocacy committees, pharmaceutical companies and community organizers. The prescription drug programs are mainly targeted to the retired senior citizens and people within a low income group. These programs are also useful for patients who do not have any medical insurance. In many cases, patients are also given the privilege of collecting their prescription medicines absolutely free of cost. Some discount prescription programs also allow free health checkups. But that is usually for the patients who meet particular eligibility criteria.
Many a times the drug discount cards are given away by roadside assistance stalls and banks besides clubs, pharmacies, clinics and hospitals. Usually, the discount drug card providers promote themselves by touring the nation, states and cities. This way they reach out to the masses. Most of these organizations also have their own websites for extending online support to their member patients. All drugs which are sold under prescription need to fulfill the regulatory requirements. In the U.S, the low cost medicines need the approval of the FDA or the Federal Drug Administration. Almost 50 percent of the branded drugs available on showing prescription have low cost generic medicine equivalents. And, it takes 20 years for the patent on the prescription drug to expire. After expiry, the inexpensive generic medicine is sold with huge savings to the consumers.
