CVS/pharmacy provides 'extra care' to diabetic customers

WOONSOCKET, R.I. CVS/pharmacy is stepping up to the battle against diabetes by expanding its loyalty program to include ExtraCare Advantage for Diabetes -- aimed at providing additional benefits for diabetes patients and caregivers -- and teaming up with the 50 Million Pound Challenge.

The new ExtraCare Advantage for Diabetes is available to ExtraCare cardholders and it provides savings and rewards on the purchase of OTC diabetes-related products in addition to wellness education benefits.

Starting Tuesday, patients and caregivers can sign up for ExtraCare Advantage for Diabetes and earn double Extra Bucks on more than 100 products used to manage diabetes, from testing supplies like alcohol swabs and OTC glucose test trips to batteries for glucose meters. In addition to earning double Extra Bucks that can be spent on almost anything in the store, patients and caregivers will receive special offers and discounts on their receipts and at the ExtraCare Coupon Center. A monthly e-newsletter that includes additional savings and tips on managing diabetes and maintaining a healthy lifestyle will be sent to all members.

"With 25% 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," stated Dr. Troyen Brennan, chief medical officer for CVS Caremark. "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."

Since its inception in 2000, the ExtraCare loyalty program has grown to more than 64 million active cardholders.

To further help patients with diabetes, CVS/pharmacy has separately announced that it is partnering with Dr. Ian Smith and the 50 Million Pound Challenge to help patients with diabetes gain better control of their disease.

Smith's 50 Million Pound Challenge is a call-to-action for all Americans to come together and help people take control of their health by getting fit, losing excess weight and turning back the deadly toll of weight-related diseases. The Challenge campaign is supported and endorsed by leaders across the community and national civic and health organizations.