(Cumberland) – A new statewide discount prescription drug card program called the Maryland Rx Card is available to help uninsured and under-insured residents of Maryland afford their prescription medications.

The free program will provide savings of up to 75 percent on prescription drugs, with an average savings of 30 percent. The program has no restrictions to membership, no income requirements, no age limitations and no applications to fill out. Maryland Rx Card is accepted at more than 50,000 pharmacy locations across the country.

The pharmacy discount card can be downloaded at www.marylandrxcard.com or check with the pharmacist.

Residents in Counties Across the Country will Start to Receive Cards Today

WASHINGTON, April 28, 2020 PRNewswire - County Executives of America (CEA) announced plans to begin distributing free prescription assistance cards across the country today. The free program is provided through a partnership with United Networks of America (UNA). Similar programs launched by UNA have resulted in over $10 Billion in healthcare savings.

The CEA Rx Assistance Program is being launched to help the uninsured and underinsured afford their prescription medications during this critical time. The program, which is free to everyone, provides savings of up to 80% on prescription medications. The program has no restrictions to membership, no income or age limitations, and residents are not required to fill out an application. The card is accepted at over 68,000 national and regional pharmacies.

There are plans to launch additional healthcare support programs in the coming weeks. "We will continue to explore all options to assist our member counties and their residents during and after this national COVID-19 crisis," said Michael Griffin, Executive Director of CEA. CEA is based in Washington, D.C. and represents over 700 member counties across the country.

About CEA: County Executives of America (CEA), was formed by county executives over 40 years ago and is the only non-partisan association dedicated specifically to represent chief elected county officials. CEA's current membership includes County Executives, County Judges, Parish and Borough Presidents, City-County Mayors, Commission Presidents and Chairs, and all county leaders elected at-large by the public constituency. CEA's membership currently includes more than 700 counties. Visit www.countyexecutives.org for more information.

About UNA: United Networks of America is one of the largest providers of value-added managed care products and services in the United States. UNA has more than 240,000 participating providers serving more than 120.1 million members. The UNA family of networks includes prescription drug, cosmetic surgery, dental, vision, hearing and wellness benefits. UNA clients include TPA's, insurance companies, associations, universities, federal and state governments, school systems, value-added programs, and large employers. Visit www.unitednetworksofamerica.com for more information.

Donation from Giving Pledge philanthropist-entrepreneur Ryan D. "Jume" Jumonville inaugurates food access initiative from Winrock's Wallace Center

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. - March 6, 2019 - An extraordinary gift from philanthropist-entrepreneur Ryan D. "Jume" Jumonville of United Networks of America has established the "Gamechangers Laboratory," a groundbreaking initiative from the Wallace Center at Winrock International.

Through collaborations and convenings, the Gamechangers Laboratory will catalyze breakthrough ideas, strategies and innovations in community-based food systems as they expand access to good food. The initiative will leverage the power of the Food Systems Leadership Network (FSLN), a fast-growing group of almost 2,000 food systems leaders from all 50 states supported by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation.

"This is a critical time for food security in America," Jumonville said. "I believe deeply in the power of community and the importance of food access for all people. I am proud to support the creation of the Gamechangers Laboratory as part of my Giving Pledge and to encourage other donors to support this incredibly innovative effort."

In this inaugural year, the Gamechangers Laboratory will award grants and technical support to community-based leaders, organizations and multidisciplinary teams working to address intractable obstacles to sustainable, community-based food systems. The initiative will provide participants with space, time and financial resources to design, incubate and pilot innovative approaches to advance food systems change.

"We are deeply honored to announce this incredible gift from Mr. Jumonville," said Rodney Ferguson, CEO of Winrock International. "His passion for creating a world where no child is hungry aligns perfectly with the missions of Winrock International and the Wallace Center. We are humbled by his willingness to break new ground with us and grateful to the W.K. Kellogg Foundation for their continued support of the Food Systems Leadership Network, on which this effort will flourish."

"We recognize that despite strong collective efforts, there are still great barriers to solving the underlying drivers of food insecurity, inequity and poverty," said program officer Susan Schempf. "Just as innovative high-tech startup leaders need time to examine the systems they seek to shift, consider the bigger picture, and get creative in their problem-solving, so too do community food systems leaders. The Gamechangers Lab will provide that opportunity."

Look for more information on the Gamechangers Lab in the months ahead or go to: https://wnrck.org/FSLN or contact Susan.Schempf@winrock.org.

ABOUT RYAN D. JUMONVILLE

Ryan D. "Jume" Jumonville is a billionaire philanthropist and entrepreneur who joined the Giving Pledge in February 2019. Jumonville's company, United Networks of America, is a member of the Children's Miracle Network "Miracle Million Club." While much of his focus has been on children's healthcare, he has provided significant support to a wide variety of causes around the world.

ABOUT THE WALLACE CENTER

The Wallace Center at Winrock International develops partnerships, pilots new ideas and advances solutions to strengthen communities through resilient farming and food systems.

ABOUT THE FOOD SYSTEMS LEADERSHIP NETWORK

The Food Systems Leadership Network is a national community of practice to support leaders and staff of nonprofit, community-based organizations working on food systems change. You can join and participate in the Network, and learn more on the Community-Based Food Systems page.

ABOUT THE W.K. KELLOGG FOUNDATION

The W.K. Kellogg Foundation (WKKF), founded in 1930 as an independent, private foundation by breakfast cereal entrepreneur Will Keith Kellogg, is among the largest philanthropic foundations in the United States. Guided by the belief that all children should have an equal opportunity to thrive, WKKF works with communities to create conditions for vulnerable children so they can realize their full potential in school, work and life. The Kellogg Foundation is based in Battle Creek, Michigan, and works throughout the United States and internationally, as well as with sovereign tribes. Special emphasis is paid to priority places where there are high concentrations of poverty and where children face significant barriers to success. WKKF priority places in the U.S. are in Michigan, Mississippi, New Mexico and New Orleans; and internationally, are in Mexico and Haiti. For more information, visit www.wkkf.org.

ABOUT WINROCK INTERNATIONAL

Winrock International is a recognized leader in U.S. and international development with a focus on social, agricultural and environmental issues. Inspired by its namesake, Winthrop Rockefeller, Winrock combines scientific and technical expertise with entrepreneurial innovation to deliver market-based solutions that improve lives around the world. Winrock's mission is to empower the disadvantaged, increase economic opportunity and sustain natural resources across the globe.

RYAN D. "JUME" JUMONVILLE MAKES RECORD DONATION TO WARRICK DUNN CHARITIES

July 29, 2019 - Warrick Dunn Charities, Inc. (WDC), which is recognized across the country for its Home for the Holidays program, is proud to announce a multi-million dollar gift that will make 100 families across the United States first-time homeowners. The donation from Ryan D. "Jume" Jumonville is the largest gift in the 22 year history of the non-profit. To date, WDC has worked with 170 families to provide them with a first-time, permanent home.

"This gift is transformational," Dunn said. "The generosity shown will not only impact the families that move into these homes, but their future generations. But more than that, it demonstrates how businesses can change and improve the conditions of a community."

Dunn's Homes for the Holidays program, established in 1997, was inspired by the tragic death of his mother, Betty Smothers, a Louisiana police officer killed by armed robbers during an extra-duty security job. After the death of his mother, Dunn became the main provider for his five younger siblings. Dunn went on to become a celebrated running back in the NFL and is today a minority stakeholder in the Atlanta Falcons organization.

Dunn and Jumonville initially became friends while playing football together at Catholic High School in Baton Rouge, LA in the early 1990s. "I've supported Warrick's charitable efforts for many years now and have witnessed the great impact he is making in the lives of these families," Jumonville said. "It is an honor to team up with Warrick to move these deserving mothers and their children out of poverty and into a stable home life."

Homes for the Holidays currently operates in Atlanta, Baton Rouge, Jacksonville, Tampa/St. Pete, Tallahassee, New Orleans, Dallas/Houston, Nashville, Newark, Milwaukee, Baltimore, Augusta and Detroit. The gift from Jumonville will allow more families to gain entry to their own homes and expand the program to previously unserved communities.

About Warrick Dunn Charities:
Warrick Dunn Charities, Inc. is committed to improving lives through innovative programming inspired by our founder's life journey. Since 1997, the Homes for the Holidays program has helped 170 families and 459 children and dependents achieve first-time home ownership. Serving single parent families nationwide, WDC and its partners have helped single parents combat poverty and hunger and ensure families have basic necessities and comfortable surroundings in order to improve their quality of life. For more information, visit www.wdc.org.

SALT LAKE CITY - Children's Miracle Network Hospitals is proud to announce that is has partnered with United Networks of America (UNA), one of the largest providers of value-added managed care products and services in the country.

UNA Rx Card, the nations largest prescription assistance card provider, has committed a minimum of $1 million to fund program growth and development to help the charity's 170 member hospitals across North America to provide critical treatments, services and charitable care for sick and injured kids.

"We are pleased to partner with United Networks of America to provide much-needed support for our children's hospitals," said John Lauck, president and CEO of Children's Miracle Network Hospitals. "They, too, understand the complexities of the health care system and want to make that system easier for families in need."

"We share the vision of Children's Miracle Network and their hospitals," said Ryan Jumonville, chairman of United Networks of America. "We also believe that together we can save kids' lives."

United Networks of America Provides Much Needed Support to Children's Hospital

SALT LAKE CITY (March 24, 2016) Children's Miracle Network Hospitals is proud to announce that is has partnered with United Networks of America (UNA), one of the largest providers of value-added managed care products and services in the country.

UNA Rx Card, the nations largest prescription assistance card provider, has committed a minimum of $1 million to fund program growth and development to help the charity's 170 member hospitals across North America to provide critical treatments, services and charitable care for sick and injured kids.

"We are pleased to partner with United Networks of America to provide much-needed support for our children's hospitals," said John Lauck, president and CEO of Children's Miracle Network Hospitals. "They, too, understand the complexities of the health care system and want to make that system easier for families in need."

"We share the vision of Children's Miracle Network and their hospitals," said Ryan Jumonville, chairman of United Networks of America. "We also believe that together we can save kids' lives."

About Children's Miracle Networks Hospitals
Children's Miracle Network Hospitals^® raises funds and awareness for 170 member hospitals that provide 32 million treatments each year to kids across the U.S. and Canada. Donations stay local to fund critical treatments and healthcare services, pediatric medical equipment and charitable care. Since 1983, Children's Miracle Network Hospitals has raised more than $5 billion, most of it $1 at a time through the charity's Miracle Balloon icon. Its various fundraising partners and programs support the nonprofit's mission to save and improve the lives of as many children as possible. Find out why children's hospitals need community support, and learn about your member hospital, at CMNHospitals.org and facebook.com/CMNHospitals.

About United Networks of America
United Networks of America is one of the largest providers of value added managed care products and services in the United States. UNA has more than 240,000 participating Providers serving more than 120.1 million members across the country.

To learn more about United Networks of America, please visit www.unitednetworksofamerica.com, or www.unarxcard.com for more on the national prescription assistance program.

Read the official Children's Miracle Network Hospitals press release here: unitednetworksofamerica.childrensmiraclenetworkhospitals.org/united-networks-of-america-provides-much-needed-support-to-childrens-hospitals/

Media Contacts
Dana White, V.P. Media/Public Relations dwhite@unitednetworksofamerica.com
800.726.4232

Sally Gilotti, Sr. Director, External Communications
sgilotti@cmnhospitals.org
801.214.6617

Chambers to Help Oregon Rx Card Provide Prescription Assistance to All Residents

The Oregon State Chamber of Commerce (OSCC) announced a new partnership with the Oregon Rx Card today. The goal of the joint venture is to provide all Oregon residents with prescription assistance. OSCC will encourage local chambers of commerce, across the State, to distribute free discount prescription drug cards to residents. All Oregon residents are eligible for this program.

Oregon Rx Card was launched to help the uninsured and underinsured residents of Oregon afford their prescription medications.

The program, which is free to all residents, will provide savings of up to 75% on prescription drugs (savings should average roughly 30%). Oregonians can download a FREE card by visiting www.oregonrxcard.com or www.oregonstatechamber.org. Anyone not able to access the website, or otherwise obtain a member card, can simply visit any Safeway Pharmacy location and ask the pharmacy process their prescription through the Oregon Rx Card program.

The program has no restrictions to membership, no income requirements, no age limitations and there are no applications to fill out. "The Oregon Rx Card has already had a tremendous impact on the residents of Oregon and, through our coalition of chambers, we should be able to help many more Oregonians afford their medications", said Leslie Carnes, Chairman of OSCC Board of Directors.

"We are very fortunate to have the Oregon State Chamber of Commerce (OSCC) and their chamber members join us in this statewide prescription assistance initiative," states Oregon Rx Card Program Director, Andrew Stocks. "This partnership should help us bring this program to many more people who need help across Oregon."

Oregon Rx Card can also be used by people who have health insurance coverage with no prescription benefits, which is common in many health savings accounts (HSA) and high deductible health plans. Additionally, people who have prescription coverage can use this program for non-formulary or non-covered drugs. Oregon Rx Card is accepted at over 50,000 pharmacy locations across the country. Oregon residents can download a free card, search drug pricing, and locate participating pharmacies at www.oregonrxcard.com or www.oregonstatechamber.org.

(Atlanta, GA) – Program officials have confirmed that they will announce the official launch of the free statewide prescription assistance program at a news conference tomorrow in Atlanta.

Georgia Drug Card is being launched to help the uninsured residents of Georgia afford their prescription medications.

Georgians can obtain prescription cards at various hospitals, clinics, and other card distribution sites that are being set up across Georgia. The Medical Association of Georgia (MAG) is working with the program to create additional locations. The cards are accepted at more than 50,000 pharmacies across the country. Anyone interested in learning more can visit www.georgiadrugcard.com.

The program is being touted as the answer for Georgia residents that find it difficult to navigate the confusing maze of prescription programs that have appeared in recent years. Georgia Drug Card is open to anyone living or working in Georgia regardless of age or income.

(Denver, CO) – Colorado Drug Card, in partnership with The Denver Metro Chamber, announced today that Walgreens pharmacy has agreed to be the "Preferred Pharmacy" for the program. As part of the agreement, Walgreens has agreed to process prescriptions through Colorado Drug Card. Coloradans can simply walk into any Walgreens location and ask the pharmacist to process their prescription through the Colorado Drug Card. Walgreens will also have hard cards available at pharmacy locations throughout the State.

"As Colorado's economy begins to recover from this economically challenging time, access to less-expensive prescriptions can make a critical difference in the health of Coloradans," said Robert Blankenship, Chief Operating Officer of the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce. "No Coloradan should have to choose between filling their prescriptions and other needs."

Colorado residents can obtain a free card, search drug pricing and locate participating pharmacies by visiting www.ColoradoDrugCard.com. This card will provide drug savings of up to 75 percent at more than 56,000 pharmacies across the country including Walgreens, Safeway, Albertsons Sav-on, Target, Kmart, and many other stores.

All Colorado residents are eligible for this program. There are no restrictions to membership, no income requirements, no age limits and no applications are needed.

The Colorado Drug Card is a simple solution to the confusing maze of discount programs that have appeared in recent years. Many of these programs require enrollment and some have membership restrictions such as age and income requirements. Additional information on the program can be found at www.ColoradoDrugCard.com.

(Orange, CA) – Thousands of Californians Receive Free Prescription Drug Card Since California Rx Card Launched Oct. 1

The California Rx Card Program (www.californiarxcard.com) announced today that more than 55,000 Californians have received a free prescription drug card since the program launched Oct. 1. The California Rx Card can be used at thousands of pharmacies across the state to receive savings of up to 75 percent (savings average around 30 percent). Participating pharmacies include Rite Aid, Walgreens, Albertsons, K-mart, Longs Drug Stores, Ralphs Pharmacy, Sav-on, other chain drug stores, and thousands of independent pharmacies.

California residents can download a free discount prescription drug card by visiting www.californiarxcard.com. The California Rx Card Program has no restrictions or participation requirements and is open to every California resident.

"The California Rx Card was launched to help the uninsured and under-insured people of California afford prescription medications," said Edward J. Brown III, California Rx Card Program director. "The program can also be used by people who have health insurance coverage with no prescription benefits (common in many HSAs and high deductible health plans). Also, people who have prescription coverage can use this program for non-formulary or non-covered drugs. This program even covers some pet medications (those available at participating pharmacies)."

Orange County, Calif.-based The Word & Brown Companies (CHOICE Administrators(R), which includes CaliforniaChoice(R), CaliforniaChoice 51+, Kaiser Permanente Choice Solution and Contractors Choice(R); The Word & Brown General Agency, and CONEXIS) is sponsoring The California Rx Card Program throughout the state.

"We work with insurance brokers to distribute quality and affordable healthcare programs to California employers and we know there is still a large population of uninsured people in the state," said Edward J. "Rusty" Brown, Jr., co-founder of The Word & Brown Companies. "We think the California Rx Card can make a big difference for people who have limited insurance benefits or no insurance at all, and we want to do our part to help make affordable prescription drugs available."

We're excited to have the opportunity to work with The Word & Brown Companies to provide the people of California with free access to prescription discounts," said Ryan Jumonville, president and chief executive officer of United Networks of America. "We've successfully launched programs in New York, Alabama, Texas, New Jersey, Ohio, Utah, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Louisiana, Arizona, Colorado, and Tennessee. We've saved the residents of these states millions of dollars and look forward to doing the same for the people of California."

This program is powered by UNA Rx Card, which is a division of United Networks of America. UNA Rx Card is the fastest-growing discount prescription card company in the United States. Brian Oliver, executive vice president of UNA Rx Card, noted that "The free Rx program has brought almost $66 million in prescription savings to members around the country in the short history of the program, with calendar year savings for 2007 projected to approach $100 million."

(Birmingham, AL) – The Alabama Rx Card Program will now provide "free" discount prescription drug cards to the residents of Alabama, according to reports. The free discount prescription drug card can be downloaded via Internet (at www.AlabamaRxCard.com) or retrieved at any Alabama-based stores, including Bruno's, Foodmax and FoodWorld.

The card can be used at more than 50,000 pharmacies across the country to receive savings of up to 75 percent (savings average around 30 percent). Participating pharmacies include: Bruno's, Food World, Food Max, Walgreens, Rite Aid, Winn-Dixie, Kmart, and thousands of independent pharmacies. Although the Alabama Rx Card is designed to help the uninsured and underinsured people of Alabama afford their prescription medications, residents who have health insurance coverage with no prescription benefits can also use the card.

Additionally, people who have prescription coverage can use this program for drugs not covered by their insurance. This program even covers some pet medications (those available at the participating pharmacies).

UNA Rx Card powers the Alabama Rx Card Program, which is a division of United Networks of America. Programs have also been launched in 14 other states, including New York, Texas and the Carolinas. UNA Rx Card is considered the fastest growing discount prescription card company in the United States.

(Birmingham, AL) – The Alabama Rx Card Program now provides "free" discount prescription drug cards to the residents of Alabama.

You can download a free discount prescription drug card by visiting www.alabamarxcard.com. Anyone not able to download a card from the website can visit any Alabama Bruno's, Foodmax, or FoodWorld and they will process your prescription through the program.

A press release published in a recent issue of the Dothan Eagle incorrectly stated that the cards were also available at CVS pharmacies.

The card can be used at more than 50,000 pharmacies across the country to receive savings of up to 75 percent (savings average around 30 percent). Participating pharmacies include the following: Bruno's, Food World, Food Max, Walgreens, Rite Aid, Winn-Dixie, K-Mart, and thousands of independent pharmacies.

Bruno's, Food World, and Food Max have been selected as the preferred pharmacies for the program. Bruno's, Food World, and Food Max have agreed to process prescriptions at all of its Alabama pharmacy locations. Anyone who does not have access to a computer to download a card from the www.alabamarxcard.com Web site can visit any Bruno's, Food World, or Food Max Pharmacy and they will process your prescription through the program. Bruno's Supermarkets, with headquarters in Birmingham operates 74 stores under the Bruno's, Food World and Food Max banners.

The Alabama Rx Card was launched to help the uninsured and under insured people of Alabama afford their prescription medications. However, the program can also be used by people who have health insurance coverage with no prescription benefits (which is common in many HSA's and high deductible health plans). Additionally, people who have prescription coverage can use this program for non-formulary or non-covered drugs. This program even covers some pet medications (medications that are available at participating pharmacies).

The Alabama Rx Card program has no restrictions or participation requirements and the program is open to every resident of Alabama.

The Alabama Rx Card Program is powered by UNA Rx Card which is a division of United Networks of America. Programs have also been launched in New York, California, Texas, New Jersey, Ohio, Utah, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Louisiana, Arizona, Colorado, and Tennessee. UNA Rx Card is the fastest growing discount prescription card company in the United States.

(Yonkers, NY) – The Westchester Municipal Officials Association (WMOA) will announce a new free prescription assistance drug card program for Westchester County residents at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, May 4 at Health Rx Pharmacy, 984 N. Broadway, Yonkers.

Not only can the WMOA Rx card offer uninsured and underinsured residents up to 75% off their prescription drugs (including those for pets), it can also give discounts of up to 50% on prescription eyeglasses, teeth whitening, diabetic supplies, Lasik surgery, and hearing aids. The card can also be used by people who have health insurance coverage with no prescription benefits, a common occurrence in many health savings accounts (HSA) and high-deductible health plans. The discount does not apply to their co-pays but can be used for non-covered drugs.

What's more, the WMOA Rx Card has no restrictions to membership, no income or age limitations, and there's no application or paperwork. It is offered through United Networks of America (UNA), one of the largest providers of value-added managed care products and services in the United States with more than 240,000 participating providers serving more than 72.4 million members with 56,000 national and regional pharmacies in place. "This discount program can help residents save money during these tough economic times," says Lesnick, who is also President of the Yonkers City Council. "That is a good thing for some constituents who might otherwise have to choose between taking care of their health or buying food." Tarrytown Mayor and WMOA First Vice-President Drew Fixell says, "This program is a win-win-win for everyone. It will help residents afford their vitally important medications, stimulates business for pharmacies and supports WMOA."

Anyone interested in obtaining a card and/or searching drug pricing and participating pharmacies can visit the Westchester Municipal Officials Association website at: www.wmoaonline.com.

"The WMOA Rx Card is a solution to the confusing maze of discount prescription programs that have appeared in recent years," says Lesnick. "Many only cover certain drugs, charge fees, and have membership restrictions such as age and income limitations."

Such savings are being realized in Duarte, California, population 21,000 where Mayor Tzeitel Paras-Carucci says residents there have saved close to $17,000 since a similar program began two years ago. With a population of about 200,000 people in Yonkers, that means residents should be able to save at least $150,000 per year.

"During this economic climate, people are finding themselves unemployed and under paid," says Yonkers City Council Majority Leader Patricia McDow. "Many are unable to pay their medical bills or purchase must-needed medication. I welcome the program and hope that many will take advantage of it."

Yonkers City Councilman Wilson Terrero remarked, "Any program that encourages people to take care of their health will be welcomed in my community."

"This is a great program for the residents of Yonkers," explained Eli Rakhamimov, owner and supervising pharmacist at Health RX Specialty Pharmacy. "It will help us save our clients a lot of money. In the current economy, medicine comes at a high cost. This card will relieve the burden for residents who lack prescription benefit insurance. At Health RX we will make sure that the program is implemented and executed successfully."

Michael Silence had a report in yesterday's paper (registration required) about a new prescription drug discount card program being offered in Knox County.

Details were sketchy, but it is apparently some sort of partnering between Knox County and an outfit called Advantage Wellness of America. WBIR had a follow up report with a little more information, noting that Knox County gets 40 cents per prescription filled, but incorrectly stating that it is open only to Knox County residents.

Michael Silence has another report today (registration required) with a little more information. It says that anyone in East Tennessee can participate, and that AWA gets 80 cents for each prescription filled and they pass 40 cents along to Knox County.

In all the articles praising Knox County for offering this new program, it says you can get up to a 75% discount on your prescriptions, and that this is made possible through "bulk purchasing".

Hey, this all sounds pretty great. So I checked the website knoxrxcard.com) and looked up my two prescriptions. According to the prices they had posted, I could save about $18 (which is approx. 10%) on one, and about $70 (which is approx. 70%) on another. These are for 90 day fills, so that's nearly $30 a month in savings for me if those prices are good. That IS pretty great, especially since I don't have insurance coverage for prescriptions.

So then I got to wondering, how can they do this? And why hasn't TennCare partnered with a company like this to reduce prescription drug costs? And who are these people, anyway?

So I started checking around. What I found was a murky, multi-level marketing sounding web of companies and services with an interesting business model.

According to AWA's website, they are a "privately held company located in Knoxville, Tennessee and a separate operating unit of United Networks of America, Inc." (as mentioned in Michael Silence's first article.)

According to their website, United Networks of America is "one of the largest providers of value added managed care products and services in the United States." They also provide "Consulting, Development, Franchising, and Request-for-Proposal (RFP) services." From this, I'm guessing AWA is a local franchise of UNA?

(And here's an interesting profile of the Baton Rouge company and its founder, whiz-kid entrepreneur Ryan Jumonville. There's a Knoxville connection. He attended U.T. on an athletic scholarship, and more recently "split the cost with former UT baseball standout Todd Helton of $6.4 million-worth of free membership in UNA's Tennessee Dental Plan for the UT system's 14,000 employees through 2007".)

And look at this. UNA offers a discount drug card similar to the KnoxRX card called UNARxCard, that anyone can sign up for by simply entering your name and e-mail address. (If I were the local franchise, I probably wouldn't be too happy about this competition from my franchiser.)

I got one. They generate a web page that you print out with an official looking card with official looking member, plan, and group numbers and a toll-free number you or your pharmacy can call if there are questions. I called my local pharmacy and they said they accept it. I'll let you know if the savings are true the next time I fill my prescriptions.

But wait, there's more. When you click on the links at either UNARxCard.com or KnoxRXCard.com to find out about participating pharmacies in your area and to check prices, you are taken to a website run by an outfit called "HealthTrans".

So who is HealthTrans? According to their website, they are a pharmacy benefits management company, whose services "optimize benefits administration, providing web-enabled applications, coupled with clinical expertise and services. Our services complement existing medical claims and pharmacy systems, and other legacy systems. We offer a cost-effective alternative to the burdensome efforts of acquiring, converting, operating, and maintaining an in-house system, as well as providing the required IT infrastructure."

So, the relationship between AWA, UNA, and HealthTrans isn't clear, nor is their relationship with Knox County or how all this works. And all of these are privately held companies, so there's little financial information available (although some of HealthTran's press releases make you wonder if they are planning to go public.)

And I'm still puzzled about who is paying for all this and who is making money and how. Pharmacy discounts don't just fall out of the sky, and AWA and UNA aren't charities -- they're businesses looking to make a profit. Who pays AWA the 80 cents per prescription they are splitting with Knox County?

One possible clue can be found at HealthTrans' website. They say they run "transparent" pharmacy benefit management for their insurance and large employer/group clients, meaning that all pharmaceutical company rebates are disclosed and passed on to their clients. Rebates? What rebates?

Here's an interesting article that talks about HealthTrans's business model. Apparently there's a vast and deep well of pharmaceutical manufacturer rebates available for PBM programs and others who promote one drug or another in their formularies and benefit programs. And apparently there's a whole industry built around dipping into this well as part of providing prescription drug benefits.

According to the article, "transparent" PBM programs say they pass the rebates along to their clients and make their money by charging a flat fee for transactions and claims processing. Since, according to local media reports, Knox County and AWA are receiving a per-transaction fee that they split, and there is no cost to the consumer, and the drug store chains are presumably not paying a fee (ed. note: actually they do, see the update), that leaves the pharmaceutical company rebates.

So one logical conclusion is that this is a rebate-fueled deal negotiated with pharmaceutical companies by HealthTrans, and provided to clients by AWA/UNA. This is just speculation, though, because the media reports are, as I said, sort of sketchy on details. I e-mailed AWA with these and other questions about how it works, and will let you know what they say if/when they respond. (Ed. note: This is only partially right. See the update for their response and explanation of how it works.)

Anyway, there's nothing wrong with any of this per se. I'm happy to save $30 a month or so however they do it, as long as it works as advertised and there isn't a "catch". I only wish I had known about it sooner. And I still wonder why TennCare hasn't done something like this, or implemented their own "bulk buying" program. Of course, now Medicare is forbidden by law from negotiating with pharmaceutical companies, so that's good for private enterprises like AWA and UNA, I guess.

But however it works, it reveals one of the problems with our so-called "free market" health care system. Three different people can walk into a drug store, one with insurance, one with an Rx discount card, and one with nothing but cash in their pocket, can all buy the same drug and all pay a different price. How is that a "free market" exactly?

And why is it that someone buying on a multi-level marketing plan (which they enrolled in by simply typing their e-mail address on a website) pays less than someone paying cash for the same product delivered to the same location and sold by the same pharmacist? It doesn't make any sense. Why can't pharmaceutical companies make the discounts and/or rebates available directly to the consumer (I guess some do) or better yet just dispense with all the craziness and just lower prices across the board? What a complicated mess.

For many, health and prescription insurance isn't a necessity. It's a luxury. It's just too expensive for many families—families that often forgo much needed prescriptions for food and clothing. But as KPLC's Laila Morcos tells us, thousands of families have a new option that's offering a way to get affordable prescriptions.

What's in pill bottles may be life saving, but for some, the cost is just too high. "Premiums are going up. They're covering less and less things." Annie Claire Bass says health insurance and prescription drugs prices are an expensive option many families are doing without, until now.

Annie Claire Bass is the Program Manager for the Louisiana Drug Card—a free discount prescription program that seems almost unbelievable. "This card has no restrictions and no fees and there's no eligibility ways to receive this vehicle but anyone can use this card."

So how do you go about getting one of these cards? It's very easy. Just inquire at any healthcare facility or your pharmacy. "You simply bring the card to your local pharmacy and give the card to your pharmacist and they give you the discount." A discount anywhere from five to 25 % off. It's a low cost guarantee card. "You're either going to get the discount that's with that card, or you're going to get the lowest cost that pharmacy paid for that particular drug."

Plus, you can use it nationwide at most pharmacies. That way when you're trying to get these expensive medicines filled, it won't be as costly to your wallet.

The drug card has been made available through the non-profit group Louisiana Health Care Alliance and United Networks of America.

The preferred pharmacy of the Texas Rx Card is H.E.B. pharmacies. Additional participating pharmacies include the following:Walgreens, Kroger, Albertson's, Target, Brookshire Brothers, Costco, as well as many other chain drug stores and thousands of independent pharmacies.

The Texas Rx Card was launched to help the uninsured and under insured people of Texas afford their prescription medications. However, the program can also be used by people who have health insurance coverage with no prescription benefits (which is common in many HSA's and high deductible health plans). Program Director, M'Elaine Booth notes, "Even those with prescription coverage can utilize the program by using it for their non-covered or non-formulary drugs." This program even covers some pet medications (medications that are available at participating pharmacies). The Texas Rx Card program has no restrictions or participation requirements and the program is open to every resident of Texas.

Texas Rx Card has partnered with Health Access America, a non-profit organization that educates and informs the uninsured, the media, and the public at large about affordable health care options. Health Access America develops and distributes free information about the issue of the uninsured to help citizens find health solutions. "We're excited to have the opportunity to work with Health Access America to provide the people of Texas with free access to prescription discounts," said Ryan Jumonville, president and chief executive officer of United Networks of America. "We've successfully launched programs in New York, California, New Jersey, Ohio, Utah, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Louisiana, Arizona, Colorado, and Tennessee. We've saved the residents of these states millions of dollars and we look forward to doing the same for the people of Texas."

The Texas Rx Card Program is a special project of United Networks of America and is presented as a community service. "It has been the goal of United Networks of America (UNA) to help people around the country obtain affordable health care," says UNA President/CEO, Ryan Jumonville. "Our original mission was to plug the niches and gaps in coverage our health plan clients offer to their members, but we saw the opportunity to perform a valuable community service by opening this up as a free program to the uninsured as well," continued Mr. Jumonville, "and it is our hope that this will enable more people to afford and proactively take the medications they genuinely need!"

This program is powered by UNA Rx Card, which is a division of United Networks of America. Brian Oliver, EVP, noted that "the Free Rx program has brought almost $66,000,000 in prescription savings to members around the country in the short history of the program with calendar year savings for 2007 projected to approach $100,000,000." UNA Rx Card is the fastest growing discount prescription card company in the United States.

(Honolulu) – Buying medication can be pricey, especially for those who are uninsured or whose health care plans do not cover drugs.

Now there's a free discounted medication program to help ease the costs.

The United Networks of America launched the Hawaii Rx Card Monday which is free and available to all residents. Cardholders save an average of 30 percent on drugs at more than 50,000 participating pharmacies across the country.

Cards can be printed online or picked up from distribution sites set up by the Hawaii Medical Association and the Hawaii Hotel Lodging Association. Online tools can be used to find nearby pharmacies as well as compare prices from participating pharmacies.

For more information on the health care savings, visit www.hawaiirxcard.com.

(Louisville, KY) – A new Kentucky program could save you up to 75 percent on your prescription drugs. The Kentucky Rx Card is a free program to help residents of the Commonwealth purchase the prescription drugs they need. The program has no restrictions for membership - no income requirements, no age limitations and no application to fill out.

The program was launched to help the uninsured and under-insured Kentucky residents afford their medications. Many other discount drug programs only cover certain drugs or charge fees, but with the Kentucky Rx Card, there are no limitations.

"You know of the beauty of this it's free, it's free to your community, if free to our government. It's free to our citizens. Not one penny has to be paid," said Metro Council member Vicki Aubrey Welch (D-District 13).

To get your free Kentucky Rx Card, click on the highlighted link: Kentucky Prescription Card or visiting any Metro Public Health and Wellness location, Neighborhood Place, Park DuValle Community Health Center or the Greater Louisville Chamber of Commerce.

You can still use the service without a card by dropping off your prescription at any CVS Pharmacy or K-Mart Pharmacy location. Just tell them to process it through the Kentucky Rx Card program.

Baton Rouge, LA - December 14, 2011 - Local entrepreneur Ryan D. Jumonville has donated one million (1,000,000) meals to the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank to help feed children that are food insecure and missing meals on a daily basis. Jumonville, CEO of Baton Rouge based United Networks of America, was inspired to give a helping hand to these children and families during a time when the Food Bank so desperately needs the support.

"I saw a report that ranked Louisiana #1 in food insecure children under 5 years old. More than 1 out of every 4 children in Louisiana are food insecure, said Jumonville. That means the children are unable to consistently access adequate amounts of food. Louisianians are too proud a people to allow children to go hungry in our great State. I hope that others will join me in this fight."

A landmark study released by Feeding America in March 2011, "Map the Meal Gap," provided the first detailed look at the needs of the 113,790 individuals in the Greater Baton Rouge area who are food insecure or struggling with hunger. More than 40,000 children in our 11-parish service area are missing meals on a daily basis. It is important to note that this study was done before Census 2010 data was released, which now reveals an even greater number of children living in poverty in Louisiana - 27%.

"We are grateful and humbled by this generous donation that will be put to good use in feeding those less fortunate in our community. Food is a basic human need and no child should have to go to bed or wake up hungry everyday", said Michael Manning, President and CEO of the Food Bank.

Santa Rosa Beach, FL - Ryan Jumonville, a resident of Destin, just gave the kids of Walton and Okaloosa County Florida something to smile about! Jumonville donated $10,000 to Children's Volunteer Health Network (CVHN) as they expand their outreach to uninsured and underinsured children needing restorative dental care by turning an existing building into a three chair dental clinic. The 501(c)3 organization is in the midst of a campaign to secure funds for ongoing operating expenses to sustain the clinic as well as other CVHN programs.

Jumonville's cousin, Kris "The Kid" Jumonville, lost a battle with Cystic Fibrosis a few years ago. His life will be honored as his name is displayed permanently inside the clinic. Jumonville shares, "I worked with Kris at Louisiana Dental Plan in the early 90's. He would be proud to be a part of the CVHN dental clinic. I am proud to be a part of this project and I am truly excited for the uninsured and underinsured kids of Walton and Okaloosa County."

CVHN's Executive Director, Zach Billingsley says, "The severity of cases we have seen on our Mobile Dental Bus over the past few years has been overwhelming and sad to witness. More than 65% of the children we examine on the bus have decay requiring prompt restorative dental care. The new clinic will focus on these severe cases, allowing our Mobile Dental Bus to focus on preventative treatments and visit more grades and more schools in the future. This generous donation from Mr. Jumonville will allow us to cover a significant amount of expense related to the clinic and we are very pleased to provide an opportunity to further his cousin's legacy."

The CVHN Dental Clinic will be located in Santa Rosa Beach, FL and is scheduled to open in the spring of 2012. CVHN has multiple opportunities available at various donation levels for those wishing to personalize a donation or honor a loved one. Anyone interested can contact Zach at 850-622-3200 ext.102 or zach@cvhnkids.org. For more information about the free prescription drug program, visit www.cvhnkids.org.

Children's Volunteer Health Network, Inc. is a 501(c)3 organization whose mission is to enhance the lives of uninsured and underinsured school-aged children by facilitating free, immediate access to medical, dental, vision and mental health care. Children enrolled in the free and reduced lunch programs in Walton and Okaloosa Counties qualify for CVHN' services. To learn more contact us at (850) 622-3200 or visit us at www.cvhnkids.org

Ohio Drug Card announced today that CVS/pharmacy has been chosen as the preferred pharmacy for the free statewide prescription assistance drug card. Ohio residents that don't have access to a computer, and can't otherwise obtain a hard card, can now visit any CVS/pharmacy location to have their prescriptions processed through Ohio Drug Card. Ohioans can simply ask the pharmacist to process their prescription through the Ohio Drug Card.

Ohio Drug Card was launched to help the uninsured and underinsured residents afford their prescription medications. However, the program can also be used by people that have health insurance coverage with no prescription benefits, which is common in many health savings accounts (HSA) and high deductible health plans. Additionally, people with prescription coverage can use the program to get a discount on prescription drugs that are not covered by insurance.

Ohio Drug Card has helped residents save more than 11 million dollars since its inception in May 2008. You can search drug pricing and locate participating pharmacies at https://www.OhioDrugCard.com .