A new dental discount card program is now available that will help Lake County residents save money on their dental service expenses. The NACo Dental Discount Card Program, provided by the National Association of Counties (NACo) in partnership with Careington International Corporation, can help Lake County residents save up to 50 percent on their dental care services, and 20 percent on orthodontic services. Individuals or families may opt to pay for a monthly or yearly membership. The cost for a yearly individual membership is $59 and $69 for families. More than 200 providers in Lake County are participating in this program. Discount card holders will receive significant savings from these providers on dental cleanings, x-rays, braces, dentures, crowns, root canals and more. This plan is not insurance.

"Too many adults neglect their oral health because they simply cannot afford to pay for dental care," said Irene Pierce, the Lake County Health Department's Executive Director. "Dental disease can affect one's overall health, that's why it's important to visit a dentist regularly. This program is user friendly, will save people money and most importantly, will increase access to oral health care."

Cardholders can simply schedule an appointment with a participating dentist or specialist and present their card to receive a discount at the time of service. There are no forms to complete and everyone in the household is eligible to receive a discount with a family membership. The NACo Dental Discount Card Program is designed to complement health insurance plans or work in conjunction with health savings accounts, flexible spending accounts and health reimbursement arrangements.

To sign up for the Dental Discount Card Program, residents can download a registration form at: www.nacodentalprogram.com.  A list of participating providers and more information is available.

Illinois residents who are at least 65 years of age (as of June 1), who have resided in Illinois for at least three years and have a total household income of $50,000 or less, can apply for the state loan that charges 6% simple interest per year.

· Must be primary residence
· Loan must be paid back at the time of sale, if refinanced, or one year from the date of death
· If a mortgage company is involved, the mortgage company must sign off

· Total taxes plus interest can not exceed 80% of the value of the home

Applications must be completed and returned by February 25, 2011. Visit the Treasurer's Office website or call 847.377.2323.

This year's tax sale occurs on Monday and Tuesday, November 29-30 at the Greenbelt Cultural Center, 1215 Green Bay Road. Both days start at 9:00 a.m.; Monday will go until 5:00 p.m., Tuesday until all taxes are sold.

By state law, any taxes that remain unpaid go to a tax sale toward the end of the year. This means that registered tax buyers bid to pay the tax balance and receive an unrecorded lien on the property. The longer that lien goes unpaid, the more penalties get added, and eventually the tax buyer has the option of petitioning the Circuit Court for the deed to the property.

In order to avoid having your taxes sold, they must be paid in full by Wednesday, November 24 in the County Treasurer's Office.