CVS Caremark engages in community outreach programs to patient groups, including the uninsured and those lacking access to care, who may need additional resources to manage their health and pharmacy care needs.
Free Flu Shots for the Uninsured
During the most recent winter flu season, CVS Caremark pledged up to $6 million in free flu shots to patients who lack health insurance. Direct Relief USA, a nonprofit health care organization, partnered with CVS Caremark in this effort through nearly 500 community clinics and health centers across the country. The participating clinics and health centers identified uninsured individuals from their existing patient populations and provided them with a free flu shot voucher redeemable at any CVS/pharmacy or MinuteClinic location. Over the past three years, CVS Caremark has committed to provide up to $14 million in free flu shots to patients in need.
NACo and NLC Prescription Discount Card Programs
CVS Caremark administers prescription discount card programs for the National Association of Counties (NACo) and the National League of Cities (NLC). These cards are designed to help residents of cities and counties save money on the prescriptions that are not covered by their insurance. The free cards are distributed by counties or member cities and may be used at any participating retail pharmacy. More than 60,000 pharmacies nationwide participate in these programs, including most chain and independent pharmacies. In 2011, residents of counties participating in the NACo Prescription Discount Card Program saved more than $92 million on their prescription medications, with an average discount per prescription of 27.3 percent. Participants in the NLC discount card program in 2011 saved nearly $3.5 million on their prescription medications, with an average discount per prescription of 25.7 percent.
Free Health Screenings
In 2011, CVS/pharmacy provided free and low-cost medical screenings and services to more than 162,000 people through its To Your Health and A Su Salud programs. Relaunched as Project Health in 2012, the program aims to prevent disease through early detection of such conditions as diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol.
