Pender among 67 counties in NACo Drug Discount Card Program

A full two-thirds of North Carolina counties are now participating in the National Association of Counties' Prescription Drug Discount Card Program, according to NACo. Pender County began distributing prescription drug discount cards to residents at several county departments, including adult services, health and social services, on Aug. 3.

All NACo member counties are eligible to participate in the program, which can save card users about 20 percent. Caremark Rx, Inc., which also serves as pharmacy benefits provider for the NCACC County Health Plan, administers the program. The card is available for anyone to use for potential discounts on prescription drugs not covered by insurance. Cardholders also may save on pet prescriptions at participating retail pharmacies. A national network of more than 57,000 participating retail pharmacies will honor the discount card.

The ease of the Prescription Drug Discount Card Program is its biggest selling point. There are no forms for citizens to fill out, and no maintenance required on behalf of the county. There is no cost to counties participating in the program or citizens using the discount card. Discount cards are sent to participating counties for distribution.

To enroll in the program, the county must first fill out an interest form on the NACo Web site. The average startup time for the program is currently eight to 10 weeks. For more information, click here.