CVS adds discounts for diabetes patients

WOONSOCKET, R.I., May 11 (UPI) -- U.S. drugstore chain CVS Caremark has expanded its customer loyalty card to provide extra benefits for diabetes patients, company officials said.

ExtraCare Advantage for Diabetes, available to CVS ExtraCare cardholders, provides discounts and rewards for over-the-counter diabetes-related products in addition to diabetes wellness education benefits.

"With 24 percent of the U.S. population affected by this disease, we understand how important it is for patients and caregivers to manage costs related to controlling diabetes," Dr. Troyen A. Brennan, chief medical officer for CVS Caremark, said in a statement. "The ExtraCare Advantage for Diabetes program is designed to help customers with diabetes, or caring for someone with the disease, to manage these rising healthcare costs."

Patients and their caregivers can sign up for ExtraCare Advantage for Diabetes and earn double Extra Bucks on more than 100 products used in the managing of diabetes, from alcohol swabs and over-the-counter glucose test strips to batteries for glucose meters, Brennan said.

In addition to earning double Extra Bucks on almost anything in the store, customers will receive special offers and discounts on their receipts.

All members of the program will also receive a monthly e-newsletter that will include additional savings and tips on maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

More information is at a local CVS/pharmacy or online to www.cvs.com/diabetes.