NEW JERSEY PRESCRIPTION DRUG RETAIL PRICE REGISTRY NOW ONLINE

PRINCETON - New Jersey consumers are now able to research and compare retail prices for prescription drugs online following this month's launch of New Jersey Prescription Drug Retail Price Registry.

The registry contains the prices reported to the state by New Jersey pharmacies for the 150 most-frequently prescribed prescription drugs. Comparing the prices listed in the registry will help a consumer find the pharmacy in his or her area with the lowest retail price for a specific prescription drug.

"This website will let consumers comparison-shop, increase price competition between pharmacies and help lower prescription costs," said Governor Jon S. Corzine. "It is a significant step toward making healthcare more affordable."

"Consumers are easily able to compare prices via their computer and make an informed decision about where to purchase their prescription drugs," Attorney General Anne Milgram said. "The Prescription Drug Retail Price Registry empowers consumers in the marketplace."

The registry, available in both English and Spanish, is located on the Division of Consumer Affairs' web site http://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov.

The registry shows the average price per unit most recently reported to the state and uses that average to show an estimated retail price for quantities of 30, 60 and 90 units for each prescription drug listed. It will be updated monthly to provide consumers with current pricing information.

The registry allows users to search prescription pricing by zip code, among other search options. Additionally, this same information can be obtained by calling the New Jersey Prescription Drug Price Registry toll free at 1-800-242-5846. The line is staffed from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm Monday through Friday.

"AARP surveys show that rising prescription drug prices are forcing many consumers who are below Medicare age or who have fallen into the Medicare Part D "donut hole" to make impossible choices," said AARP New Jersey State President Sy Larson in promoting The Registry. "Many consumers who must pay full retail price for their prescriptions are either cutting their doses or skipping them altogether, with potentially harmful consequences."

The legislation to create the registry (A-2537/S-1396) was sponsored by Assemblymembers Linda Greenstein, Herb Conaway, Patrick Diegnan Jr., Peter Barnes Jr., Gordon Johnson and Brian Stack, and Senators Barbara Buono and Joseph Vitale.

"With this new price comparison tool, New Jersey consumers can get the best deals possible for their prescription drugs," said Assemblywoman Linda Greenstein (D-Middlesex/Mercer), prime sponsor of the 2004 law establishing New Jersey's prescription drug registry. "This registry is especially beneficial for senior citizens who face rising prescription drug bills while trying to make ends meet on their fixed incomes."

"The objective of this registry is to provide clear, concise, and unbiased information so New Jersey residents can make informed decisions about prescription medicines and save money," said Assemblyman Herb Conaway, M.D. (D-Burlington/Camden). "This invaluable tool comes at a critical time as consumers face a dizzying array of prescription drug options and ever-rising prices for their medicines."

"The Internet allows people to price compare almost anything - from cars and electronics to clothes and groceries. Prescription drugs are the logical next step in empowering consumers to make well-informed purchases," explained Senator Buono. "By providing a single place where they can get all the information they need, the price registry is going to be a real boon to New Jersey's consumers."

"By providing prescription drug prices online, we are making available a valuable tool to help seniors and others make the most of their health care dollars," said Senator Joseph F. Vitale, D-Middlesex, the Chair of the Senate Health Committee and sponsor of the bill establishing the online database.  "At the same time, we are using the power of a competitive market to put downward pressure on soaring prescription prices. The online prescription drug registry will be a double-win for New Jersey's healthcare consumers."

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Photos and audio and video clips from Governor Corzine's public events are available in the Governor's Newsroom section on the State of New Jersey web page, http://www.nj.gov/governor/news/