BI-LO pharmacies have agreed to process the prescriptions of customers unable to access the new on-line Tennessee Drug Card discount prescription card, officials said.

The newly-announced Tennessee Drug Card, a free program open to all Tennessee residents, allows all uninsured and underinsured Tennessee residents to obtain discounts on their prescription medications.

Because the Tennessee Drug Card is an internet-based prescription program, many residents in need of the discount have may trouble accessing it if they don’t have a computer. With BI-LO’s participation, now anyone without a card in hand can visit a local BI-LO pharmacy and mention the program to receive the discount on their medications, officials said.

There are 18 BI-LO pharmacies in eastern Tennessee, including 12 in the Chattanooga area.

In addition to Chattanooga, there are BI-LO stores in Cleveland, Dayton, Dunlap, Etowah, Hixson, McMinnville and Ooltewah.

There are over 900 pharmacies in the state of Tennessee that participate in the program, however BI-LO pharmacies have decided to become more involved in the program by helping out those customers without a card in hand when they mention the Tennessee Drug Card.

“By working with Tennessee Drug Card on this initiative, we saw the opportunity to reach out to the communities we operate in and help folks save some money on their prescriptions,” said BI-LO Regional Pharmacy Manager Maurice Kopp.

Savings through the program range from 10 to 75 percent, depending on the drug. Generic drug discounts average 35 to 45 percent, while brand-name drugs average savings of 10 to 20 percent, it was stated.

The Tennessee Drug Card represents a partnership between United Networks of America and pharmacy companies working to deliver affordable drug prices to individuals lacking prescription benefits, it was stated.

Tennessee Drug Card has also partnered with non-profit group Health Access America to help spread the word about the availability of these discounts.

"We appreciate the Tennessee Drug Card's efforts to forge partnerships with community-minded businesses like BI-LO Pharmacies. Through this joint effort, people who can't afford to pay full price for their drugs or whose drug costs are not covered by their insurance plan will have access to significant savings," said Susan Everett of Health Access America, a non-profit organization raising awareness among Tennesseans about affordable health care options.

“We have been working with several hospitals and non-profit organizations in the state to make the program available to those in need. We are thrilled to now be working with BI-LO pharmacies to bring discounts to those lacking prescription benefits,” said Harry Sayle, director of the Tennessee Drug Card.