KROGER PROMOTES PCA DRUG CARD 2004-06-14 (1)

LIZA CASABONA

CINCINNATI -- Kroger Co. here will "reach out" to Medicare customers of its 1,850 pharmacies with the prescription discount card from the Pharmacy Care Alliance, Alexandria, Va.

The PCA card is a partnership between the National Association of Chain Drug Stores, also in Alexandria, and pharmacy benefit manager Express Scripts, Maryland Heights, Mo.

"Of the many cards out there [some 40 national cards and over 30 regional cards], we have selected the PCA card as our preferred card because we believe it offers the best value," said Gary Rhodes, director, corporate communications for the retailer.

Along with other Medicare cards, the PCA card benefits were effective June 1. The card offers savings up to 20% on brand drugs and up to 40% on generic drugs. Enrollment for the card began in May.

Kroger will accept most Medicare-approved cards, but has chosen to emphasize the PCA card, Rhodes said. Kroger conducted training for its pharmacists on the Medicare discount card program to assist them in helping Medicare beneficiaries.

"While our pharmacists are most familiar with this card, they are able to help the customer with other cards as they all have similar characteristics as required by Medicare," Rhodes said.

The card will be good until January 2006 when federal coverage takes effect.