Contract for free prescription discount cards approved

Phelps County Commissioners on Thursday morning approved a contract that will allow for free prescription drug discount cards to be offered to county residents.

The program is being offered to counties that are members of the National Association of Counties (NACo).

"We get this benefit because we're members of NACo and we can pass this down so that it benefits the residents," said Phelps County Treasurer Carol Green said.

There is no cost to the county for this program.

NACo is partnering with CVS Caremark for the discount cards. Both NACo and CVS Caremark will have to approve the contract as well.

The contract with Phelps County is for three years and can be continued for one year at a time after that.

Green said the projected start date for the program in the county would be sometime in November, but that could change.

Counties benefit from this program by being able to offer their county residents an alternative to paying full price for prescriptions.

"We're hoping to save some people some money," Green said.

The discount cards are not insurance.

The card will give discounts on prescriptions for residents who not only are uninsured but people who have insurance, too. People can look at whether their insurance or the discount card offer works better for their needs, Green said, adding that anybody can use the cards.

Once available, the discount cards will be offered at county offices as well as participating pharmacies throughout Phelps County.

According to the NACo website, residents can save an average of 24 percent off of their prescriptions through the program.

There is no cost for a resident as well as no forms to fill out, no age or income requirements and no medical condition restrictions.

There are also no limits on how many times the card may be used. Additionally, one card can cover an entire family.

The county will provide more information on the program closer to its implementation