TITLE
Recommendation to authorize City Manager to execute an agreement, and any subsequent amendments, with United Networks of America (UNA) to provide a Prescription Drug Discount Card Program to residents of the City of Long Beach; and increase appropriations in the Health Fund (SR 130) and the Department of Health and Human Services (HE) by $12,500. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
On July 11, 2006, the City Council requested the City Manager to investigate creating a prescription drug discount program for Long Beach residents. The City Manager assigned this task to the Department of Health and Human Services (Health Department).
After a short Request for Information (RFI) period to gather information from industry leaders, the City Council approved the City's recommendation to pursue a prescription discount card program which would provide the most cost benefit to the plan participant/card holder, the least cost to the City, and provide for program marketing and promotions. A Request for Proposal (RFP) was released on November 6, 2006 for this program and the Health Department received four proposals: Caremark, United Networks of America, ScriptSave and Non Profit Warehouse.
After careful review, we are recommending the City implement the proposal submitted by United Networks of America (UNA). Besides offering the best overall cost savings on comparative brand name and generic prescription medications, there is no cost to the cardholder to obtain the card or use the card. There is no cost to the City associated with implementing the UNA Prescription Drug Discount Card Program. UNA estimates that program participants will save an average of 35 - 45 percent, and in some instances up to 75 percent, on prescription medication. There is $1.80 administrative fee for each card (paid by the pharmacies), which is less than the other card programs. There will be no City cost for promotion and marketing. UNA will publicize the program to the pharmacies and hospitals in and ar...
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