The discount card could collectively save Vermonters millions each year, without raising taxes.
Vermont Business Magazine Today, the Vermont Senate unanimously approved Treasurer Pieciak’s prescription drug discount card proposal, H.577.
As prescription drug costs continue to skyrocket, and federal cuts strip thousands of their coverage, H.577 will help Vermonters access their medications an affordable price. If made law, the drug discount card could collectively save Vermonters millions each year—without raising taxes.
“Vermonters are feeling the pain of rising health care costs—hurting both their health and their wallets,” said Treasurer Pieciak. “Under our plan, we can make medications more affordable, deliver immediate relief to families, and move toward a health care system that works for people, not against them. I want to thank the Vermont Senate for sharing this vision.”
Under H.577, Vermont would join ArrayRx—a coalition of states pooling their buying power to negotiate more affordable drug prices. Vermonters could sign up for an ArrayRx discount card free of charge, offering up to 80% off generic drugs and up to 20% off name-brand medications. The card is accepted at most pharmacies nationwide and can be used for any FDA–approved medication. All Vermonters, insured and uninsured, could enroll for free.
Expenses incurred using the ArrayRx discount card would also count toward a patient’s deductible if they submit a claim to their insurer. Senator Ginny Lyons, Chair of the Senate Health and Welfare Committee and the bill’s lead Senate sponsor, emphasized this provision will achieve even greater savings for Vermonters.
“This program has proven successful in other states, and Vermont has strengthened it to save patients more on their health care,” said Senator Lyons. “My committee moved H.577 forward on a unanimous, bipartisan vote, and I am proud that the Senate has advanced the bill with the same resounding approval.”
“We thank Treasurer Pieciak for bringing this proposal forward—a practical step toward lowering health care costs and strengthening care in our state.”
In states like Connecticut that have joined ArrayRx, residents are saving an average of $259 per month using the discount card. Assuming a matching savings rate, if just 1% of Vermonters (about 6,840 people) enroll, patients could collectively save more than $20 million annually on their prescriptions.
Learn more about the proposal here.
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Vermont Business Magazine