AARP Volunteer Rx Watchdog Program Debuts
By: Source: AARP.org Date Posted: 2007-05-14 10:28:24.306359-04:00
You can be at the forefront in the fight against high prescription drug prices, as part of the new AARP New Jersey Volunteer Rx Watchdog program. The AARP state office has partnered with the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs to improve the implementation of the Prescription Drug Retail Price Registry, a law passed in 2006.
The registry calls for the establishment of a state-run website that will enable residents to view a listing of the 150 most commonly prescribed drugs and how much they cost at pharmacies across the state. Drug prices will be searched by zip code and also by pharmacy, connecting consumers to information on where they can purchase the least expensive prescription drugs.
The Volunteer Rx Watchdog program will train individuals and chapters to survey the website for ease and efficacy. The AARP New Jersey state office will be holding Volunteer Rx Watchdog training sessions every month. Volunteers can participate on a monthly basis, beginning in June, for as many months as they would like to be involved. Volunteers will be able to participate either at home or in AARP's pioneering Volunteer POWER Center, a state-of-the-art facility equipped with computers, telephones, conferencing capabilities and a comfortable work environment.
"This is a remarkable opportunity for AARP Volunteers, especially now that we can work together from the Volunteer POWER Center, the only AARP facility of its kind nationwide," said Watchdog volunteer and AARP spokesperson Claire Edelman. "It's great to be working alongside the Division of Consumer Affairs, knowing that our hard work will help consumers all over New Jersey save money on their prescription drug purchases. You have the right to know what you pay for groceries and gas before you purchase them. With the Rx Watchdog program, we'll be helping consumers know what their drugs cost, too."
Indeed, preliminary surveying has shown that consumers could save as much as $50 for the same prescription drug depending on only one factor: where they have the prescription filled.
Rx Watchdog volunteers receive the support, resources and training needed to become an integral part of this important effort. The state-run Prescription Drug Retail Price Registry website will be up and running before September 1, 2007 so this is an excellent opportunity to see fast results for your efforts.
You can make a difference in the fight against high prescription drug prices! To join the AARP New Jersey Rx Watchdog program, call the toll-free Rx Watchdog Hotline at: 1-866-542-8165.
preview