CVS/pharmacy Launches ExtraCare Advantage for Diabetes(TM)

WOONSOCKET, R.I., May 11 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, CVS/pharmacy announces ExtraCare Advantage for Diabetes, a new program available to ExtraCare cardholders which provides savings and rewards on the purchase of over-the-counter diabetes-related products in addition to wellness education benefits. With the introduction of ExtraCare Advantage for Diabetes, CVS/pharmacy is taking the nation's largest retail loyalty program to the next level, by offering members the opportunity to sign up for this program.

For the nearly 24 million Americans with diabetes, expenses can quickly add up. It's estimated those affected by Diabetes spend two to three times more on medical expenses and supplies.

"With 25% of the US population affected by this disease, we understand how important it is for patients and caregivers to manage costs related to controlling diabetes," said Dr. Troyen A. 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."

Starting today, 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 over-the-counter glucose test strips 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.

"ExtraCare is our vehicle for delivering personalization and savings to CVS/pharmacy customers, so it was a natural next step to launch a health and wellness component offering extra benefits for the many Americans living with diabetes," said Rob Price, Senior Vice President Retail Marketing and Advertising and Chief Marketing Officer for CVS/pharmacy. By participating in the program, families can take advantage of the savings and benefits immediately and conveniently by using their ExtraCare Card."

Since its inception in 2000, CVS/pharmacy's ExtraCare loyalty program has grown to more than 64 million active cardholders. ExtraCare cardholders earn 2% back on nearly all front store purchases and $1 for every two prescriptions filled. Rewards are paid back to customers quarterly as "ExtraBucks."  ExtraBucks are like free CVS/pharmacy money, which can be used on nearly anything in the store.  In addition to these quarterly rewards, each week certain items offer instant Extra Buck rewards on qualifying purchases.  

To sign up for the ExtraCare Advantage for Diabetes program or to learn more, customers can visit their local CVS/pharmacy or go online to www.cvs.com/diabetes.

For customers looking for more ways to save, CVS/pharmacy recently launched a Twitter feed at http://www.Twitter.com/CVS_Extra. CVS/pharmacy's ExtraCare Twitter feed offers followers sneak peek deals, coupons, exclusive offers, advice from experts as well as a direct way to engage with the company and ExtraCare enthusiasts by sharing savings tips and feedback. For more information on the ExtraCare Rewards program, please visit http://www.cvs.com/ExtraCare.

About CVS/pharmacy

CVS/pharmacy is the retail division of CVS Caremark Corporation (NYSE: CVS). The Company operates more than 7,000 CVS/pharmacy and Longs Drugs stores. CVS/pharmacy is committed to improving the lives of those we serve by making innovative and high-quality health and pharmacy services safe, affordable and easy to access, both in its stores and online at CVS.com. General information about CVS/pharmacy and CVS Caremark is available at http://www.cvscaremark.com/.

SOURCE CVS/pharmacy