General

What is it?

The Co-op Connections Card is a national discount card offered to members of ECI REC. It provides discounts on prescription medication, health services, online shopping, and more. It is not insurance and is not intended to replace insurance. There is no cost to the member for this card program―it is another benefit of ECI REC membership.

Where can I use it?

The card is accepted at national pharmacies like CVS, Walgreens, Walmart, and Target, and at national retailers like 1-800-PET-MEDS, Advanced Auto Parts, and Best Western Hotels. Local businesses may also participate. Check out our list of participants or visit www.connections.coop for a complete list.

Does everyone in my family need an individual card?

No. One card may be used by the entire family.

Pharmacy/Prescription Information

How do I locate participating pharmacies?

Members can go to the Healthy Savings page and click on the Locate Providers button to find the closest participating providers.

• Login under the “Groups” section by entering the Group number on the back of your co‐op card.
• Click the search button to find providers in your area.
• Lists of participating businesses are available at your district office if you do not have internet access.

How do I use it?

Simply present your Co‐op Connections Card at a participating pharmacy with your prescription, and receive a discount at the time of purchase. No other forms are required.

What if the pharmacist doesn’t recognize the card’s name?

There are thousands of prescription discount plans in the United States. Co‐op Connections may not be recognized by the pharmacy at first. When the pharmacist sees the pharmacy benefit manager information on the back of the card, he or she will understand which program you are a part of.

Can I use this in addition to my insurance?

No, the card cannot be used with insurance. However, you should have the pharmacist process the Co‐op Connections Card and the insurance card to see which provides the lowest price. You'll receive the lowest price on prescriptions, whether that is the pharmacy’s retail price or the negotiated discount price. At times the discounted price through your Co‐op Connections Card will be lower than your co‐pay. The prescription discount will also help you get lower prices on medications considered experimental or lifestyle, which are often not covered by insurance.

Can I use the Co‐op Connections Card in conjunction with Medicare?

You may use the Co‐op Connections Card during your deductible period or the coverage gap (doughnut hole). In some cases, a network pharmacy may accept the Co‐op Connections Card or offer another cash price discount so you can pay less for a prescription than your plan’s negotiated price. This is considered a one‐time “lower cash” or special price. If you are able to get a cash discount and pay an amount that’s lower than your plan’s price, you must send your receipt to your Medicare drug plan. This ensures that your plan counts the amount you paid toward your out‐of‐pocket costs.

I was surprised by a processing fee for each prescription filled. Why would I use the Co‐op Connections Program if I am charged each time?

For a pharmacy to accept any plan, insurance, or discount, the pharmacy contracts with a claims processor. The pharmacist must use a processor to determine the amount a consumer or insurance company will need to pay. The discounted price with the Co‐op Connections Card is the same amount as what the pharmacist gets paid as a reimbursement from an insurance carrier. However, the processor charges for the use of its system, hence the processing fee.

Healthy Savings

What is the Healthy Savings program?

Providers that participate in the Healthy Savings program offer 10% to 60% discounts on eyeglasses, contact lenses, eye exams, and LASIK; 20% to 40% discounts on dental care such as cleanings, x-rays, root canals, crowns, and orthodontics; and additional savings on chiropractic visits, lab tests, imaging scans, and hearing aids.

To locate providers that participate in the Healthy Savings program, call 800-800-7616 or click on the Locate Providers located on the Healthy Savings page. Be sure to have your Co-op Connections Card handy.

Other

Where can I find the Smartphone app?

The Co-op Connections Card app download is available here.

What does the app do?

The app provides a virtual card (front and back) with vital prescription discount info on your phone. You can also use your phone’s GPS feature to find businesses that accept the card if any are nearby, and identify your favorite discount deals and save them in “My Deals” for easy access.