County Drug Discount Program Up for Renewal

A program that offers residents discounts on prescription drugs is up for renewal by the San Diego County Board of Supervisors next week.

The Coast-to-Coast Rx Card gives users access to discounts on medications at 59,000 pharmacies across the U.S.

Between May 2011 -- when the benefit was introduced in San Diego County - - and April 2012, more than 100,000 prescriptions have been filled for 17,000 cardholders, with a savings to customers of 58.1 percent, according to a county staff report. The program is intended to supplement health insurance, not replace it.

Cardholders also can receive discounts on laboratory tests; dental, vision and hearing care and veterinary services.

The county receives $1.35 each time a card is used, with the money directed into promotional and educational material. In the fiscal year that ended June 30, the county took in about $115,000 from the program, according to the staff report.

Staff is recommending that the supervisors renew an agreement with the firm that runs the program, Financial Marketing Concepts, and use the revenue to promote the program to uninsured and under-insured residents.

The cards are available at community clinics and county Family Resource Centers. They have also been distributed at community events and through nonprofits like the United Way.

San Diego is one of 25 counties in California taking part in the program.

-City News Service