WOONSOCKET, R.I. — CVS/pharmacy has expanded its ExtraCare Advantage for Diabetes program with additional savings and benefits for members.
The drug chain said this week besides the savings and rewards that members get for signing up, ExtraCare Advantage for Diabetes now offers over $100 in savings from Diabetes Health Magazine plus a range of new instant and ongoing savings.
CVS/pharmacy’s support programs for people with diabetes and caregivers include $130 in savings available in Diabetes Health Magazine from brand partners whose diabetic supplies and products are sold at CVS/pharmacy (valid through Dec. 31), as well as health tips, recipes and advice from diabetes experts. Consumers can download a copy at CVS.com/diabetes.
Those who enroll in the free ExtraCare Advantage for Diabetes program and have an ExtraCare card with an e-mail on file will get a $5 coupon in their inbox (valid through Dec. 31). Once signed up, shoppers will continue to receive exclusive, members-only tips, recipes and savings year-round through in-store coupons and a monthly e-newsletter.
And through its Project Health wellness program, CVS/pharmacy will offer free glucose screenings at stores in 10 of the largest U.S. cities during November, which is National Diabetes Month. Participants can get consultations and referrals from nurse practitioners and CVS pharmacists and receive a $5 coupon. Free diabetes screenings are also available at the drug chain’s MinuteClinic walk-in health clinics.
"Every 17 seconds, another American is diagnosed with diabetes," Papatya Tankut, vice president of pharmacy affairs for CVS/pharmacy, said in a statement. "CVS/pharmacy is committed to being a resource for patients dealing with a new diagnosis or looking for ways to cut health costs without sacrificing care. Our pharmacists and our diabetes support programs are resources that patients can turn to for information and advice."
Tankut added that with one in 10 Americans now living with diabetes, controlling the disease "can be both overwhelming and expensive, whether a patient has been newly diagnosed or has been managing their diabetes for years."
"We created our ExtraCare Advantage for Diabetes program to provide resources and savings to those who are managing this chronic condition and their caregivers," she explained. "As the diabetic population grows and health costs continue to be burdensome, by enhancing this program we can deliver more value to our customers affected by diabetes while helping them on their path to better health."
Since its launch in 2010, ExtraCare Advantage for Diabetes has drawn more than 2 million members, according to CVS. Patients and caregivers who enroll earn ExtraBucks Rewards on more than 100 products used to manage diabetes, including testing supplies, glucose test strips and glucose meters. They also get access to a variety of resources, including an "Ask Our Pharmacist" section, additional offers, videos and recipes addressing their specific lifestyle needs. Members, top, receive special offers and discounts on their receipts and at the in-store ExtraCare Coupon Center.
Also in recognition of National Diabetes Month, CVS on Thursday said it’s partnering with the American Diabetes Association to sponsor a photo sharing campaign on the association’s Facebook page.
Under the effort, dubbed "A Day in the Life of Diabetes," the CVS ExtraCare Advantage for Diabetes program will donate $1 to the American Diabetes Association for each photo or image uploaded, up to $25,000.
CVS also will co-host a Twitter chat on Nov. 15 with Dr. Elizabeth Seaquist, vice president of medicine and science for the American Diabetes Association.
