Frequently Asked Questions About Your Co-Op Connections Card
What does the card cost me?
Nothing! There is never any cost for our members to participate in this program. This is one of the benefits of being a member of Kosciusko REMC. We will continue to add participating vendors, and updated lists will be provided at the www.kremc.com website, at the co-op, and will periodically be listed in Electric Consumer. You can also visit www.connections.coop to keep up with national discounts you can enjoy.
How does the card work?
All Kosciusko REMC members will receive a Co-Op Connections card and key fobs in a special mailing which will be sent in May. When you present your card at a participating local vendor, you'll receive a discount as described in the lists available on our website, at the co-op, or through the Touchstone Energy website addresses noted above. Participating vendors will have stickers and window decals identifying them as a place to use your card.
How is this different from my old Value Card?
Your old Value Card had an expiration date. Your Co-Op Connections card is good indefinitely, wherever it is accepted. Your Value Card also featured only a limited number of local vendors. The Co-Op Connections card is good at many more vendors, including regional and national vendors. Your card is also good anywhere in the country that Co-Op Connections cards are accepted.
What types of discounts are available?
Almost anything you can imagine! Automotive, entertainment, party supplies, restaurants, photography, tires, fitness, sporting goods, and much, much more!
From 30% off paint at Lee Brothers Paint, to a 10% discount on a meal at Penguin Point, to a $1,000 discount with the purchase of a home from Fahl Manufactured Homes, you'll realize a wide variety of savings.
How do I find a list of where I can get discounts?
Visit www.kremc.com and click on the Co-Op Connections tab on our home page, or visit www.conections.coop. The lists are easy to search and easy to use. You can also get a list of vendors, updated quarterly, at the co-op. You can get a list of pharmacy discounts by visiting www.locateproviders.com.
Why is this called the Co-op Connections Program?
It's called the Co-Op Connections program because Touchstone Energy co-ops throughout the country are participating to help bring added value to the members of electric co-ops, as well as to help participating businesses. And your card is good ANYWHERE you see a Co-Op Connections sticker, whether it's right here in Warsaw or somewhere you're vacationing. This is just another way for us to look out for and help serve the best interests of our members, especially when we're all faced with rising costs for just about everything we shop for!
Where will the vendor list be advertised?
The vendor list will be available in several places - on the KREMC website (www.kremc.com); at the co-op; or at www.connections.coop. It will also be published in the May 2008 issue of Electric Consumer, and a complete list will be featured in the publication one other time during the year. However, since new vendors join daily, and can join at any time, we will list them on the websites until they can be published in the next issue of Electric Consumer. We'll also have lists available at each Annual Meeting.
I own a business. How can I sign up to participate?
Contact Kosciusko REMC's Manager of Marketing & Communications, Doris Lemert, to learn more about the program. You can reach Doris at Dlemert@kremc.com, or by calling the co-op at (574) 267-6331. Any business may participate - not just businesses served by KREMC. There is no cost to participate beyond the discounts offered, which is a small price to pay for the increased number of customers and the free advertising provided.
What if I lose my card?
You may pick up a new card at the co-op.
Does everybody in my family need a card?
No, you can all use one card. However, your mailing will include one card and two key fobs. Technically, three people in your household could utilize the materials in one mailing packet to begin saving!
What account number goes on the back of the card?
If you choose, you can write your KREMC account number there for easy reference. That is purely your choice, however.
What is the pharmacy discount that's offered?
Touchstone Energy has 48,000 pharmacies already signed up and participating. All of our members can utilize their cards to get reduced rates at participating pharmacies. Members should compare the discount they get with the card with what they will get from their insurance, and use whichever one that offers the greatest savings. Since the pharmacy program launched in May of 2007, participants saved nearly $348,000 on prescription drug costs.
How much will I save with the pharmacy discount?
The discounts can save you from 10% to 60% on prescriptions. You can check the prices before you go to the pharmacy at www.rxpricequotes.com. You will need the correct name, strength and quantity of the medication that has been prescribed for you in order to get an accurate price quote.
How is the pharmacy discount different from traditional prescription insurance?
The plan is not insurance; it is a pharmacy discount offer. The card provides immediate discounts at the pharmacy. Upon presenting your card to the pharmacist, you will pay the lower of a discounted price or the pharmacy's regular retail prices. There are no forms to fill out and no limit to the number of times you use the card. These discounts are only available at participating retail pharmacies.
Can my Co-Op Connections card be used with my current insurance benefit to reduce my costs?
No, it can't be used in conjunction with insurance, but the cost may be lower with the card than with your insurance. Be sure to have your pharmacist compare the two costs. However, you can use your card to purchase prescriptions not covered by your insurance plans at a discounted rate.
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