Illinois Rx Card Media Center

(Springfield) – A free card available online could get Illinois residents discounts on prescription drugs.

Mike Rogers, program director of the Illinois Rx Card, said the discounts would help people who are uninsured, or under-insured, but anyone could sign up at www.illinoisrxcard.com. The site, which is backed by pharmaceutical companies and other health care-related companies, does not collect users' personal information.

“The Illinois Rx Card is a simple solution to the confusing maze of discounted programs available in the marketplace today,” Rogers said.

The discount drug program, launched Wednesday, is open to anyone, regardless of age or income status. The card can be downloaded online and gives cardholders average discounts of 30 percent on drugs. It is accepted at major chains.

The card is not the same as health insurance, or Illinois Cares Rx, which is a government-administered drug assistance program for seniors or people with disabilities.

The program is supported by drug companies because it creates new customers, said Ryan Jumonville, CEO of United Networks of America, which administers the Illinois Rx Card program and similar discount drug programs in other states.