County's prescription card saves $742,585

Over a year ago, Highlands County commissioners joined a prescription discount program to help residents offset the cost of their pharmaceutical needs.

Since April 2009, the Coast2Coast Rx discount program has saved residents $742,585.66.

"It goes back to providing assistance to the residents," said Commission Chair Don Bates.

The card provides discounts of 43 percent on average for non-insured residents or those without prescription coverage.

When residents use the prescription card a portion of the money from prescription sales goes back to the company and another portion goes to the county.

Depending on card usage, Highlands County's portion varies from 50 to 75 cents per prescription filled.

The 3,103 residents using the card regularly have brought the county $1,500 to $2,000 a month. This money goes into an emergency prescription program offered by the Department of Human Services to cover medication of low income residents.

The more county residents use it, the more money goes into the emergency prescription fund.

"It's providing a very good service," Bates said.

So far, Highlands County joined six other Florida counties including Collier, Sarasota, Hardee and Charlotte counties in enrolling in the free discount prescription card program.

In some cases, "It's better to use the card than the insurance," said Gloria Rybinski, county spokesperson.

"With some medications you get a very good discount," she said.

Residents can pick up the free card at these participating pharmacies; Wal-Mart, CVS, Walgreens, Publix, Winn-Dixie, Sweetbay, Kmart, Gilbert Drugs and libraries. Or print one off the website www.coast2coastrx.com.

The board approved the card in January 2009 and is the only discount card endorsed by the county.

"In an economic time like this, it is definitely a help," said Alexandra Miller, Coast2Coast Rx spokesperson.

FAST FACT

The card provides discounts of 43 percent on average for non-insured residents or those without prescription coverage.