Discount prescription cards are just what the name implies. The card holder can purchase drugs from a permitted drugs list at a discounted price. These cards were primarily introduced by the US Government to help reduce the cost of prescribed drugs for families on low incomes. However, there are several schemes, which enable individuals to obtain discounts prescription cards for a weekly, monthly or annual fee and occasionally for free.

The Government sets the eligibility criteria that determine whether an individual is entitled to a free medical card, or if they are required to pay a minimal amount. The criteria generally include income levels, age and health condition for which a prescribed medication is required. It is important to note that, even if the discount card has been provided free of charge, that does not entitle the card holder to free drugs, they will still be required to pay the discounted price.

Any adult is entitled to purchase a medical card. However, they should not be under the misapprehension that they can use their cheap medical card to obtain every drug they may need. The cheapest medical card means the user only gets discounts on a list of pre-determined drugs. On the other hand, if the drugs list is unlimited there will be a cap on the level of price reduction they can claim within the lifespan of the card, which can be anything from a month to a year.

The only way to get around the restrictions on a medical card is to purchase an unlimited discount card. However, that can be really expensive and for those who rarely require prescription drugs, it would be a waste of money, but alternatively, it could be financially beneficial for those who rely heavily on prescription medication to get on with their life.

These medical cards are being used in the same way as store loyalty cards by retailers and membership groups. The customer can sign up to a loyalty or pay for a membership to be eligible to purchase a reduced priced drugs card at a special rate. The group or retailer has generally negotiated with local pharmacies to provided discounts for their customers and members.

A few employers provide their employees with cheap medical cards as part of their employee benefits schemes. Employees can choose to use the card or not, but it is likely to be for their prescriptions and will not provide them with discounts for other members of the family.

Unfortunately, many people believe if they have medical insurance cover, they do not need a prescription discount card. That is not the case, if they want to save as much as possible on their medication bills. The discount card is not insurance and cannot be used to cover the cost of medical treatment or examinations.

It can, however, be used in conjunction with a medical insurance package, that may only cover a percentage of the drugs cost, with the patient having to pay the difference. In that situation using a discount prescription charge will help to reduce the cost further.