How CareSC Pharmacy Works and What to Know Before You Visit

CareSC Pharmacy is a state program that helps South Carolinians pay for prescription medications

CareSC Pharmacy is a discount program run by the South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services that lowers the cost of prescription drugs for people who do not have insurance or whose insurance does not cover certain medications. The program works by negotiating lower prices directly with pharmacies across the state, so you pay less at the counter when you fill a prescription. You do not need to be a South Carolina resident to use it, but you do need to enroll first.

The program covers both brand-name and generic medications. When you enroll, you receive a membership card that you present at any participating pharmacy. The pharmacy then applies the CareSC discount to your prescription price before you pay. Discounts vary by medication and pharmacy, but many people save 10 to 60 percent on common drugs.

Key Takeaways

• CareSC Pharmacy is a discount program you must enroll in before using it, and enrollment is free with no income limits or waiting periods.
• You present your membership card at any participating pharmacy in South Carolina to receive discounted prices on prescriptions.
• The program covers both brand-name and generic medications, though the discount amount depends on the specific drug and which pharmacy you use.
• You can enroll online through the CareSC website or by phone, and your membership card arrives by mail within one to two weeks.

How to enroll in CareSC Pharmacy

Enrollment is free and takes about 10 minutes. You can enroll online at the CareSC website or by calling the CareSC customer service line. When you enroll online, you will need to provide your name, date of birth, address, phone number, and email address. You do not need to provide income information or medical history.

After you enroll, the program mails you a membership card to the address you provided. The card typically arrives within one to two weeks. Once you have the card, you can use it immediately at any pharmacy that accepts CareSC. If you need to use the program before your card arrives, you can ask the pharmacy to look up your membership using your date of birth and phone number.

Which pharmacies accept CareSC

CareSC works at thousands of pharmacies across South Carolina, including major chains like CVS, Walgreens, and Walmart, as well as many independent pharmacies. You can search for participating pharmacies on the CareSC website by entering your zip code. The search tool shows you which pharmacies are nearby and whether they stock the specific medication you need.

Not every pharmacy in the state participates, so it is worth checking before you travel to fill a prescription. Some rural areas have fewer options than urban ones. If your preferred pharmacy does not participate, you can ask the pharmacy manager whether they plan to join the program, or you can use the search tool to find another location nearby.

What medications are covered and how much you save

CareSC covers thousands of prescription medications, including common drugs for high blood pressure, diabetes, cholesterol, depression, and pain. The program also covers many antibiotics, inhalers, and other medications. However, not every drug is covered, and coverage can change. Before you fill a prescription, you can check the CareSC website or call customer service to see whether your specific medication is included and what the discount will be.

The discount you receive depends on the medication and the pharmacy. For example, a generic blood pressure medication might cost $15 with CareSC at one pharmacy and $18 at another. Brand-name drugs typically have larger discounts than generics. Some medications have discounts of 60 percent or more off the regular pharmacy price, while others may be 10 to 20 percent off. The best way to know your exact price is to call the pharmacy or check the CareSC website before you fill the prescription.

CareSC Pharmacy versus insurance and other programs

CareSC is designed for people without prescription drug insurance, but you can also use it if your insurance does not cover a particular medication or if the copay is higher than the CareSC price. Some people with high-deductible insurance plans find that CareSC saves them money until they meet their deductible. You cannot use CareSC and your insurance at the same time for the same prescription, so you will need to choose which one to use.

If you have Medicaid or Medicare, you may have other options for lowering drug costs. Medicaid covers many medications at no cost or low cost. Medicare Part D covers prescription drugs, and some people also may have access to for the Extra Help program, which lowers Part D costs. If you are not sure whether you have insurance coverage, ask your pharmacy to check before you decide to use CareSC.

What to do if your medication is not covered or the price is too high

If CareSC does not cover your medication or the discount is smaller than you hoped, you have several options. First, ask your doctor whether a generic version or a different medication in the same class might work for you. Generic drugs almost always have larger CareSC discounts than brand-name versions. Second, check whether the medication manufacturer offers a patient assistance program, which can provide the drug for free or at a reduced cost.

You can also contact the South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services to ask about other programs that might help. Some medications are covered through state programs for people with specific conditions. Additionally, some nonprofits and community health centers offer medication assistance or can connect you with resources. The CareSC customer service line can point you toward these options if you call and explain your situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need insurance to use CareSC Pharmacy?

No. CareSC is designed for people without prescription drug insurance, but you can use it even if you have insurance. You simply choose whether to use your insurance or CareSC for each prescription, whichever gives you the lower price.

Is there an income limit or age requirement to join CareSC?

No. CareSC has no income limits, age requirements, or medical history questions. Anyone can enroll, and enrollment is free. You do not need to prove that you are uninsured or meet any other condition.

Can I use my CareSC card at pharmacies outside South Carolina?

CareSC is a South Carolina program, so it works only at participating pharmacies in South Carolina. If you travel out of state, you will need to use your insurance or pay the regular pharmacy price.

What happens if I lose my membership card?

Contact CareSC customer service and request a replacement card. In the meantime, you can ask the pharmacy to look up your membership using your date of birth and phone number so you can still receive the discount.

Can I use CareSC if I am on Medicaid or Medicare?

Yes, but your Medicaid or Medicare coverage usually offers better prices than CareSC. Check with your insurance first. If your insurance does not cover a specific medication or the copay is very high, you can compare the price to the CareSC price and use whichever is lower.