WPDP - Washington State Takes First Step Towards Universal Healthcare for State Residents

The WPDP is a prescription drug discount plan for all residents of Washington state who do not have prescription drug coverage, or sufficient coverage. There are no eligibility requirements other than residency, and no fees. The WPDP became effective February 1, 2007.

"We want to get the news out to everyone in the state who is struggling with high prescription drug costs," said Governor Gregoire. "There is help. Even if you don't qualify for other discount programs, this card will save you money on prescription drugs."

Prescriptions can be filled at local participating pharmacies, including major grocery stores such as Albertsons and Safeway, or via mail order from Wellpartner. This program does not give discounts for over-the-counter drugs, which are drugs you can purchase without a prescription.

How you can benefit

Since there is nothing to lose, and no cost, if you are a resident of Washington State, you should sign up yourself and every member of your household (including children) online at http://www.rx.wa.gov or by calling 1-800-913-4146. In a few weeks you will receive the discount cards. These cards are not insurance cards, but will provide a discount of 20-60% when you fill your next prescription at a participating pharmacy.

For additional savings

We all know that when possible a generic drug offers significant savings. Additionally, the plan offers an increased discount for generic drugs. The average discount for generic drugs is 60%, and the average discount for name brand drugs is 20%.

What's the catch?

There is no catch, the program simply takes advantage of the power of a large group purchasing power. In 2006, Washington and Oregon formed an interstate agreement establishing the Northwest Prescription Drug Purchasing Consortium. This consortium was designed to pool the two states' purchasing power on behalf of citizens. Oregon began offering a similar plan, the OPDP (Oregon Prescription Drug Program), a few months before Washington state.

What are other states doing?

This agreement marked the first multi-state effort in the nation aimed at garnering discounts for uninsured or underinsured citizens, rather than for government purchasing. More than a dozen other states offer prescription drug discount card programs, but, none offers discounts as steep as the Washington and Oregon programs. Both supporters and opponents of the new measures are also closely watching the landmark legislation recently passed in Massachusetts which requires every citizen in that state to have health insurance.