(Southfield, Michigan) – The recent article in the Southfield Eccentric was misleading in that it left the reader with the impression that there is not a program available to Southfield residents to assist with the cost of their prescription medication. Nothing could be further from the truth!

In 2005, I introduced a resolution (MR #05277) to launch the National Association of Counties (NACo’s) Prescription Discount Card Program in Oakland County. This program has been available, not only to residents of Southfield, but throughout Oakland County for over 3 years.

This is a totally free discount card program that Oakland County Commissioners have made available to residents which offers savings off of the retail price of commonly prescribed drugs. Under this program, the overall average savings is 20%. The savings range from 13% to 35% on purchases of drugs at a local pharmacy and up to 50% on mail order purchases.

The Oakland County/NACo prescription drug discount card offers significant savings for seniors, the uninsured and underinsured residents of our county. It is important to note, that residents do not have to be Medicare beneficiaries to be eligible for this program.

The Oakland County/NACo prescription drug discount card offers family coverage with just one card, which may be used any time that a prescription is not covered by insurance. There are no restrictions and no limits on how many times the card may be used. Nationally, over 57,000 pharmacies honor this discount card.

The program is easy for consumers to use and understand. Citizens do not have to fill out any forms to participate. The cards are distributed to citizens with a brochure and can be used immediately by anyone who needs it. The cards are available at City Halls, public libraries, Oakland County offices and Walgreen stores.

It is not necessary for Southfield, or any community in Oakland County, to start a new program. The greatest benefit for all residents would be derived from partnering in promoting the already established and successful prescription drug discount program that has been in existence in Oakland County since 2006, and provided participating residents with over $2 million in prescription drug savings.

For more information on the free Prescription Discount Card Program, call toll free 1-877-321-2652 or visit http://naco.advancerx.com.