Universal Rx Prescription Drug Discount Card - FAQ

The Universal Rx Prescription Savings Program allows card members to purchase prescriptions at a participating pharmacy and receive the lowest available cost. Simply present your Universal Rx identification card and you can save up to 35 to 40% off the normal retail price of generic and brand name drugs.

How does the program work?

At the point of purchase, members will receive the lower of the participating pharmacy regular retail price (as submitted to Universal Rx) or the nationally contracted discount price. Therefore, members are always assured the lowest price.

If the participating pharmacy price is higher than the Universal Rx contracted price then card members will receive a discount on that prescription. If the pharmacy price is lower than the Universal Rx contracted price then the member will not receive a discount; however, the member does receive the lower price.

This eliminates timely shopping at pharmacies to see who has the lowest price. Card members can go to one pharmacy and be assured that the price charged is fair and competitive.

How do I use the card?

Using the Universal Rx Prescription Savings Program card is simple. Members provide the pharmacist their card each time they go to their pharmacy to get a prescription filled. The pharmacist follows the instructions on the card and submits the claim on-line to Universal Rx. The on-line claims processing system automatically calculates the contracted rate and sends the amount the member owes back to the pharmacist.

Please note not every prescription will receive a discount.

This card is a prescription savings plan where card members pay 100% at the point of purchase. Card members pay the lower of: 1) Universal Rx contract price or 2) the pharmacy regular retail price. This is not an insurance plan where card members pay a flat dollar co-pay, for example: $10.00.

This program is designed for individuals who do not have insurance to cover prescriptions or have benefits where they pay 100% cash up front and must submit receipts to the insurance for reimbursement.

Do I need to enroll in the program?

You are automatically enrolled into the program with the purchase of certain products. Universal Rx Prescription Savings Program is guaranteed for all members. There are no eligibility requirements to maintain membership and no enrollment fees.

All members are automatically eligible for benefits immediately upon the effective date of enrollment.

Upon enrollment by a group, the member will receive a fulfillment packet that may contain an explanation of benefits, identification card and answers to frequently asked questions.

Is there an expiration date on the card?

There is no expiration date or limit on usage for the Universal Rx Prescription Savings Program.

Expiration Date

Upon enrollment, the member is eligible to receive discounts on their prescriptions for as long as the group is active with Universal Rx.

Limit on Usage

The member can utilize their card to receive discounts on all of their prescription needs. There is no limit on the number of times the card can be utilized.

What will my discount be? Where can I obtain the price for a specific drug?

The Prescription Savings Program allows members to save an average of 20% off their prescription medications. Many members save up to 50%. Members are always assured the lowest price. If the participating pharmacy price is higher than the Universal Rx contracted price, then card members will receive a discount on that prescription. If the pharmacy price is lower than the Universal Rx contracted price then the member will not receive a discount; however, the card member is assured the lowest price.

*Note that not all prescriptions will receive a discount.

Why not use Medicare?

Medicare Supplements are not the answer.

• Medicare only covers prescription drugs if annual prescription costs fall within a certain range.
• Medigap plans usually require a $250 deductible before they pay anything.
• Medigap plans typically cut off benefits after a $1,250 annual maximum

Why will some prescriptions not receive a discount?

Card members pay the lower of:

1. the Universal Rx contracted rate or
2. the pharmacy regular retail price.

Savings depends on what medications the member is purchasing and on the markup of the pharmacy regular retail price. If the participating pharmacies regular retail price is higher than the Universal Rx contracted price the card member will receive a discount.

If the pharmacy regular retail price is lower than the Universal Rx contracted price then the member will not receive a discount; however, the card member does receive the lower price.

This always assures the card member receives the lowest price!

Does the card save me money on Over-the-Counter items?

No. The card does not cover over-the-counter items.

Please note that some diabetes supplies are classified as over-the-counter.

What medications are eligible for a discount?

Members will experience a savings on drugs that are not typically covered in other plans.

Covered Services through the Universal Rx Prescription Savings Program

Non-Covered Services through the Universal Rx Prescription Savings Program

• Blood, Blood Plasma
• Medical Devices, Legend, OTC
• Ostomy Supplies
• Pre-Natal Vitamins, OTC and Legend
• Durable Medical Equipment
• Non-Insulin Syringes/Needles
• Over The Counter Medications
• Diabetic Supplies: Glucose Monitor, Lancing Device, Alcohol Swabs, Cotton Balls

Can my family use the card to receive discounts?

The Universal Rx Prescription Savings Program card is designated "family" and can be used by the member, spouse and/or children.

Everyone qualifies for the program and there is immediate acceptance.

Which pharmacies participate in the program?

The Universal Rx Prescription Savings Program allows members to purchase prescriptions at over 35,000 pharmacies nationwide and receive the lowest available price.

This number can fluctuate from month to month based on store openings, closings, etc.

CLICK HERE for complete pharmacy listing.

My Pharmacy does not currently participate but are willing to enroll. Can they?

Universal Rx has made it a priority to contract with the largest and most popular pharmacy chains in the nation.

Part of the contracting process is to negotiate preferred rates to ensure members receive the best possible discounts on their medications.

In order for pharmacies to agree to these rates, Universal Rx consents to minimize the number of participating pharmacies allowed into the network in an effort to drive business into these pharmacy chain locations. By driving business into their locations, pharmacy chains are more willing to provide these most favorable rates guaranteeing the members receive optimal discounts.

From time to time, Universal Rx will receive a request from a pharmacy chain, a broker and/or a member to have a pharmacy chain added. These requests are evaluated and based on pre-set criteria and a decision is made on whether to add the pharmacy to the network.

When members understand that by going to a participating pharmacy they are guaranteed the best possible discount, they typically have no complaint.

What should I do if a participating pharmacy states my card is invalid?

There are many prescription cards on the market today. If a pharmacist is not familiar with the Universal Rx Prescription Savings Program card, or has not had it presented to them before, there is a possibility they will assume the card is not accepted. For such instances, the member can advise the pharmacist of the Pharmacy Help Desk number on the back of their card, and have the pharmacist call for assistance.

What should I do if a participating pharmacy claims my card is no good and there was no discount received?

In such cases, the member can contact Universal Rx at 540-777-7179 to have their individual claims reviewed to ensure the claim did indeed process and what their savings were.

Can I use the Universal Rx Prescriptions savings card with Medicare or Medicaid?

Only one card can be used at the point of sale, however, the member can ask the pharmacist to process the claims through both cards to see which provides the best benefit.