Prescription discount card now online

A prescription drug discount card that has proven to save money for area residents is now available online.

Last year, the Bourbon County Commission joined forces with the National Association of Counties to offer local residents a free prescription drug discount card program to make it easier for an increasing number of people who are having difficulties obtaining prescription medications. The program provides residents with more affordable prescription coverage.

Former Bourbon County Commissioner Bill Brittain said he encourages residents in the county to take advantage of the financial savings the card can provide.

"Having the card online will make it easier (to get)," former Bourbon County Commissioner Bill Brittain said. "It's saving money and many people don't know about it. There is no cost to the individual or the taxpayers."

According to www.naco.org, the Web site where the card can be printed, the card can save an overall average of 23 percent off the full retail cost of prescription medication.

Area families who are struggling to make ends meet can take advantage of savings available by using the card and use those extra dollars on other necessities, Brittain said.

"Bourbon County residents using this program are saving about $2,000 per month, which is money that can go back into the local economy for other goods and services," he said. "There are a lot more people that can take advantage of this program if they know about it."

The program, which NACO started in 2004, continues to grow rapidly locally and nationwide. Through the end of November, 1,270 counties are participating in the program, including 36 counties in Kansas, and there is at least one participating county in all states that have a functioning county government. More than 20 million prescriptions have been filled, and $239 million in savings reported nationwide through the program, according to information provided by NACO.

The discount drug cards may be used by all county residents, regardless of age, income or existing health coverage. However, the prescription cards can only be used at participating pharmacies. Local pharmacies that are currently participating in the program include Wal-Mart Pharmacy, Woods Pharmacy, Mercy Pharmacy and Walgreens Pharmacy.

The program has helped consumers across the nation save nearly $180 million on more than 16 million prescription drug purchases in the last five years. About 59,000 retail pharmacies across the nation accept the NACO drug card. All commonly prescribed prescription medications, including pet medications, are eligible for a discount.

The discount card can also be picked up at the Bourbon County Courthouse, 210 S. National Ave., Fort Scott City Hall, 1 E. Third St., any of the participating pharmacies, Buck Run Community Center, 735 Scott Ave., Union Station in Uniontown, the Mapleton Mini Mart, or other various locations.

For more information about the card program, visit www.naco.org.