Novato Residents Can Save Money On Prescription Meds for Themselves, Pets

NOVATO, CA — Although Novato residents can save an average of 23 percent off the retail price of prescription medications — even for their pets — under a new program launched in May, city officials say not many people have signed on to use it.

"We really hope that more residents start taking advantage of this program," said Heather Hafer, senior management analyst for Novato Parks, Recreation and Community Services. "Although only four people used this program in June 2016, they saved a total of $162.75, which is an average of nearly $41 per person — which is significant."

According to Hafer, the My Healthy Hometown Prescription Discount Program — offered as part of the city's membership in the National League of Cities and League of California Cities — is "incredibly easy to use."

"There’s no registration or enrollment required," Hafer said. "This program even works on pet prescriptions. Residents simply take a discount card to a participating pharmacy, and they will receive a discount on prescriptions that are not covered, either partially or in full, by insurance."

Novato residents can obtain their free My Healthy Hometown prescription discount card at Novato’s Administrative Offices, Margaret Todd Senior Center, Novato Gymnastics Center, Novato Library, South Novato Library, Marin Community Clinic, Novato Youth Center or the Novato Human Needs Center. Cards can also be downloaded online by visiting Nlc.org or by calling 888-620-1749.

Participating pharmacies in Novato include: CVS, Rite Aid, Pharmaca Integrative Pharmacy, MCC Pharmacy, Target, Costco and Safeway (on Nave).

Novato is currently the only city in Marin County participating in the program administered by CVS/Caremark.

"With the escalating cost of prescription medications, some people may not be able to get the medical care they need to be healthy," Mayor Pro Tem Denise Athas said in May when the city's participation in the program was announced. "We are thrilled to announce that the city can now offer our residents a free and easy way to reduce their out-of-pocket costs for prescriptions that may not be covered by their insurance plan."

More information about the program is posted on the city of Novato's website.

(Photo/David Goehring via Flickr Creative Commons)