It’s free to Barton County residents. It can save them hundreds of dollars. All they have to do is ask.
This refers to the National Association of Counties’ Prescription Drug Card Program, one of the benefits to Barton County through its’s membership in the organization. The County Commission approved re-upping with NACo for 2013-2014 at a cost of $623 when it met Monday morning.
The main reason the county joined the group for the first time in 2011 was to gain access to program, said County Administrator Richard Boeckman. Since then, “use of the card has gradually increased.”
In the first month it was active, Boeckman said one person used it. Now, an average of 25 utilize it monthly.
Boeckman said, looking at 18 months of data, that 287 residents have taken advantage of the program, saving a total of $4,200
(or about 20 percent) on their prescription medications. Some diabetic supplies may also be covered.
There is no cost for a resident, and there are no forms to fill out, no age or income requirements and no medical condition restrictions. This is not an insurance plan and the card will work in tandem with a person’s existing insurance, even if their policy offers such a card.
About 40 Kansas counties participate in the program, which works with a variety of participating pharmacies, Boeckman said. Every pharmacy in Barton County is welcome to take part.
And, a resident doesn’t need to have the card with them or be registered with the county. They just have to ask the pharmacist if they are involved in the program.
This was the case for Barton County Commissioner Jennifer Schartz who spoke at Monday’s meeting. Even though both she and her husband are already insured and didn’t have a card, they saved as much as $100.
“That can add up to some big money,” Boeckman said.
Now, county officials just want to get the work out, Boeckman said. “As time goes on, more people will know about it and take advantage of it.”
According to information from the organization, NACo is the only national organization that represents county governments in the United States. Founded in 1935, NACo provides essential services to the nation’s 3,068 counties. Other benefits of membership include representation, educational opportunities, webinars and publications.
NACo is in a partnership with CVS Caremark to provide the discount card for member counties. The plan includes a network of more than 60,000 pharmacies nationwide.
Cards and information are available at Boeckman’s office at the courthouse, 1400 Main in Great Bend, room 107, or at the Health Department, 1300 Kansas Ave., also in Great Bend. Those interested can also call the administrator at 620-793-1800 or the Health Department at 620-793-1902.