As county residents struggle to cope with an economy in recession many are receiving some real financial relief on their prescription drug purchases thanks to county government.

"By joining the National Association of Counties (NACo) Prescription Discount Card Program, Snohomish County has helped county consumers save more than $7,250,000 on prescriptions since the program began five years ago," said Councilmember Dave Gossett. "People can still have all the convenience of using their local pharmacy while reducing costs by roughly 25%."

The free discount cards are available to anyone working or living in Snohomish County with no age, income or health restrictions. The discounts are available to consumers who do not have prescription drug insurance or the particular drug they need is not covered by their insurance. All commonly prescribed prescription medications, including pet medications, are eligible for a discount.

The NACo Prescription Drug Discount Card Program was created in late 2004 as a 17-county pilot program in partnership with CVS Caremark to provide a valuable membership benefit to counties. The NACo Board of Directors made the program available to members nationwide in May 2005.

"I was very excited when I was able to make Snohomish County one of the pilot counties," said Gossett. "It is not often you can provide such a direct benefit to people at no cost to the county or the taxpayers. Over 182,000 prescriptions have been filled in Snohomish County through the discount program."

CVS Caremark, the largest provider of prescriptions and related health care services in the nation, negotiates the discounts directly with the pharmacies and drug manufactures. Neither NACo nor the participating counties receive any revenue from the program.

"This program is a membership benefit to NACo counties," Gossett said. "Our ability to participate shows the value of being active in NACo and other professional organizations."

More than 1,320 of the nation's 3,068 counties are participating in the program and more are joining the program every month. More than 59,000 retail pharmacies, including the major pharmacy chains such as CVS/pharmacy, Rite Aid, Walgreens and Wal-Mart, accept the NACo discount card along with many independently owned and operated pharmacies.

"Many in our community are struggling to make ends meet," said Gossett. "Making these extremely beneficial cards available to local families is a big help. Families can take advantage of the savings available with the NACo card, and use the money saved for other household needs."

Here are the key factors that make the NACo discount card program unique and effective:

· It's easy - There are no enrollment fees, no forms to fill out, no age or income requirements, and no medical condition restrictions. The entire family is covered with just one card and all commonly prescribed medicine is covered (including pet medication);

· It's free - The discount cards are provided free to residents living in participating NACo member counties across the country. A national network of more than 59,000 retail pharmacies honor the card;

· It's for everyone - There is no cost to the county, county taxpayers, or consumers to participate.

· Consumers always receive the lowest price - On occasion, pharmacies will price a particular medication lower than the discount rate available with the NACo card. If that occurs, consumers will receive the best price available from that pharmacy.

Frequently asked questions about NACo Prescription Discount Card Program

What is the NACo Prescription Discount Card Program?

NACo, in partnership with CVS Caremark have created the NACo Prescription Discount Card Program to help consumers residing in NACo member counties save money on their prescription drug purchases at participating pharmacies. Specifically, the free cards provide at-the-register savings for consumers who have no prescription drug insurance or need certain medications that are not covered by their insurance. NACo provides the cards as a benefit to its member counties.

How much will consumers save?

The average savings is about 24 percent. Savings may range from 15 to 30 percent depending on the medication. Consumers may save up to 50 percent on mail order purchases.

Can consumers use their card in conjunction with their insurance to get a bigger discount?

No. The NACo card cannot be used in conjunction with other prescription drug insurance on any one purchase. However, consumers with insurance are allowed to use the card to purchase prescriptions that are not covered by their insurance.

How can I get a card?

Many pharmacies, libraries, and city halls have the cards available. If you have difficulty finding one, call 425-388-3494.