Bartow, Fla. (July 27, 2015) – Polk County today 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 (NACo), the county is able to offer the Prescription and Health Discount programs to residents at no cost. Additionally, a Dental Discount program is available at a small fee that will provide savings of up to 75 percent on prescriptions and 15-50 percent on health and dental services.

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.

“Though healthcare costs are rising at a slower rate, families are still facing difficulties in paying for medical expenses. To help, Polk County is very happy to offer prescription, health and dental discount programs to our residents. These cost-saving programs will ease some of the burden families face so they can get the care and services they need,” said Polk County Commissioner Todd Dantzler.

The Prescription, Health and Dental Discount program, which are administered by CVS Caremark, include discounts on prescription medications, dental services, vision care, LASIK & 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/she receives a discount card. For health services, memberships are available on a monthly or annual subscription basis for both individuals and families and discounts are available immediately upon enrollment; though these programs are helpful, they are not insurance.

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 across the country to bring cost-saving programs to those who need them,” said NACo President Riki Hokama, Council Member, Maui County, Hawaii. “Our ultimate goal is to help counties and their residents, and efforts like this offer them an important service.”

The free discount cards may be used by all Polk County residents, regardless of age, income or existing health coverage. The discount cards are available through the Indigent Healthcare Division of the Polk County Board of County Commissioners by calling (863) 534-5387. The prescription and health discount cards can also be printed from the Internet at www.nacorx.org or by calling toll-free 1(877) 321-2652.