Dawson County residents now have the opportunity to save up to 20 percent on their prescription drug costs.

The Dawson County Board of Commissioners recently entered into a program sponsored by the National Association of Counties in conjunction with Caremark to offer a prescription drug card for uninsured and under-insured residents.

The drug card, which is available at no cost, was created in 2004 to help consumers save money on their prescription medications any time those prescriptions are not covered by insurance. 

Since its inception, the program has enabled county governments to help their residents save more than $108 million on prescription drugs, according to Jay Sessions, director of human resources for Dawson County.

 “We saw this program as a win-win situation, a way for citizens to save money at no cost to the county. In these hard economic times, we want to be aware of our community’s needs and assist where ever we can,” he said.

More than 57,000 pharmacies across the nation, including Goodson’s, Fred’s, CVS, Kroger, Rite-Aid and Wal-Mart locally, accept the discount drug card.

“I’ve spoken to several local counties and they all praise the program,” Sessions said.

Local pharmacist Phillip Goodson said the prescription drug card could be beneficial to some residents, while others will not see a significant savings.

“There are several prescriptions that residents can already get at a reduced rate from the local pharmacies,” he said.

In the case of prescription medications available on Wal-Mart’s $4 plan, cardholders would receive the lowest price available from the pharmacy for that prescription medicine on that day.

Cardholders would receive the $4 prescription rate when applicable and the prescription discount card price when it is lower.

Sessions said if one person can save on their prescription medications with the drug card program, the program will be a success.

The discount prescription drug cards can be picked up at several locations throughout the county, including the county’s human resources office, RIC Rack, Family Connection, the health department, the Good Shepherd Clinic at Grace Presbyterian and the Dawson County Library.

Those wishing to sign up for the free program will be asked to complete a short questionnaire. There are no age or income requirements, and previous medical history will not be considered to participate. One card would work for the entire family.

For more information, call Jay Sessions at (706) 344-3501, Ext. 245.