Programs alleviate prescription, health services costs
Lake County has launched three new programs to help county residents better manage the cost of prescription medications and health and dental services.
As a member of the National Association of Counties, Lake County is able to offer the Prescription, Health and Dental Discount programs to residents that will provide savings of up to 75 percent on prescriptions and 15-50 percent on health and dental services.
The programs can be used by residents who do not have insurance and by those whose insurance does not cover the prescriptions or services they need. There are no annual limits placed on use, no forms to fill out, no waiting periods, no age or income requirements and no medical condition restrictions.
"Many families face difficulties in trying to pay for the costs of health care," said Tony Beltran, executive director of the Lake County Health Department and Community Health Center. "We are pleased to provide residents with these cost-saving options, making it easier for residents to obtain the services they need."
The Prescription, Health and Dental Discount programs, which are administered by CVS Caremark, include discounts on prescription medications, dental services, vision care, LASIK and PRK vision procedures, hearing aids and screenings, prepaid lab work, prepaid diagnostic imaging and diabetic supplies.
A resident can begin saving on prescriptions as soon as he or she receives a discount card. For health services, memberships are available on a monthly or annual subscription basis for both individuals and families (these programs are not insurance) and discounts are available immediately upon enrollment.
The discount card can also be used to save money on pet medications that have to be purchased at a pharmacy. The card is accepted at 65,000 pharmacies nationwide including all the major chains such as Wal-Mart, CVS/pharmacy, Walgreens, Giant, Safeway and Rite Aid. Participating pharmacies also include the majority of community-based, independent pharmacies.
"We are pleased to work with counties around the country to bring these important programs to their residents," said NACo President Linda Langston, county supervisor of Linn County, Iowa. "Our overall goal is to help counties and their residents. These programs help us accomplish that goal."
The free prescription discount cards may be used by all Lake County residents, regardless of age, income or existing health coverage. The cards and information on the low-cost health and dental discount programs are available at city halls, township offices and community libraries.
The discount cards can also be printed from www.nacorx.org or by calling (877) 321-2652. For more information on health and dental service discounts, visit www.nacohealth.org.