Details of the New Mexico Discount Prescription Drug Program

What You Need to Know

In 2006, the Legislature and Governor Richardson expanded a State-supported program to be available to all New Mexico residents. The name of the program is the Discount Prescription Drug Program (DPDP). 

The DPDP is administered by the New Mexico Retiree Health Care Authority (NMRHCA). The NMRHCA advertises the program and takes new enrollments. Enrollment information is sent to the pharmacy benefit manager, Medco, who takes it from there.

Who is Eligible?

• The DPDP is available to all residents of New Mexico regardless of age, whether or not you have other insurance. If you have other insurance, you cannot use both cards for the same drug purchase - you can use whichever one benefits you the most for that purchase. 

Will I have to apply every year?

• No. You are enrolled in this program until you request to cancel.

What Does it Cost?

• There is currently no enrollment fee or monthly premium for customers. 

How Does it Work?

• The DPDP is a discount program, not an insurance plan. When you need to fill a prescription, you pay the cost of the drug - minus a discount off retail or mail order cost.

What Will I Save?

• Though prices and discounts vary among prescription drugs and among pharmacies, your largest savings can be obtained by using generics. You may save 50% on generic drugs at either retail or mail order. Prescriptions for brand name drugs at a retail pharmacy can average a 13% discount, and at mail order, a 19% discount. 
  
  If you want to know the cost of a drug before placing an order, you can call Medco at 1-800-551-1866 and get the exact cost. Ask to speak to an advocate about the NM Discount Prescription Drug Program.

What Drugs Are Covered and Not Covered?

• When you enroll in the DPDP, Medco will send you a list of covered drugs.             Covered: 
   

  • All prescription drugs on the formulary; certain biotech, specialty injectable, and compounded drugs may be subject to different pricing. Some retail stores may not offer all specialty injectable drugs.
    Not Covered: 

  • Over-the-counter drugs. 

  • Drugs that are covered by Medicare Part B.
    There are quantity limitations on some drugs per the manufacturer's guidelines. You can always ask for a less expensive generic, if available, to be dispensed.

Where Do I Go to Fill My Prescriptions?

• Retail Pharmacy: 
  

  • Over 300 pharmacies in New Mexico participate in this program. When you enroll, you will receive a list. 

• Mail Order:
  

  • Medco operates a mail order facility, where you can get a 90-day supply of medications. When you enroll, you will receive instructions on how to place an order. 

Will I get a Card to use at the Pharmacy?

• Within approximately 10 days of our receipt of your request, you will receive a personalized ID card from Medco for you to show to the pharmacist when purchasing prescriptions at a retail pharmacy.  This card is your key to obtaining discounts on all of your future prescription drug purchases.  However, if you enroll on our website you will be able to print out a temporary ID card and begin using your card within 48 hours (you will still receive a permanent card from Medco). However, if you lose your card and need a replacement, you will need to contact Medco.

Who is the Prescription Benefit Manager of this program?

• Medco is managing this program for us.

How Can the DPDP Help Medicare Part D Beneficiaries?

• You can always use the DPDP card for any prescriptions that are not covered by Medicare Part D. Also, there are gaps in Part D coverage when you must pay 100% of the cost - first to meet your deductible, and then again after Part D pays a certain amount. During those times, you can use your DPDP card to buy Medicare Part D approved drugs - and it can count toward your out-of-pocket requirements for Part D. Remember to show your Part D card first to see if your prescription is covered by Medicare. It is your responsibility to forward your DPDP purchase information to Medicare for credit toward your Part D out-of-pocket requirements. For instructions, you can call 1-800-MEDICARE.

How Do I Enroll?

• The quickest way to get information and enroll is by going to the NMRHCA agency website at www.nmrhca.state.nm.us. Or you can leave a message at 1-800-233-2576.

  •  Each individual must enroll separately (no family enrollment).

  • About 3 weeks after enrolling, you will receive a mailing from Medco including a discount card for use at participating pharmacies, information on the program, and instructions on how to place mail orders.  

Post-Enrollment Customer Service

• Once you are enrolled in the DPDP, you can contact Medco Customer Service at 1-800-551-1866.

Back to the main page