The County Board of Supervisors has approved a new discount prescription drug program that could save county residents up to 65 percent on prescriptions and 80 percent on lab and imaging test, like MRI's and CT Scans. The program was approved during the County Board of Supervisors meeting on Tuesday.
The program is open to all county residents regardless of income or whether or not they have health insurance.
The Coast2Coast Rx Discount Prescription Card will help struggling San Diegans to meet rising costs, said District 1 Supervisor Greg Cox.
The program would not replace health insurance according to the card's parent company Financial Marketing Concepts, but the company says the card could be used if the resident’s health plan did not cover or provide a discount for a certain drug. In addition, those without health insurance can save on drug prescriptions. FMC says more then 60,000 name brand and generic prescription medications are included in the program.
"We don't know how many people will ultimately use this program, but I think that without any doubt it will certainly save hundreds of thousands of dollars for residents in this region," Cox said.
The discount card can also be used for discounts on dental, vision, hearing services and medications for animals, the company says. The card is accepted at several major retail chains including Wal-Mart, CVS, Walgreens, Target, etc.
The prescription card program will be fully managed by FMC.
Revenue from the card, for both the County and FMC, comes from an administrative fee that is paid every time a pharmacy fills a prescription. The county will receive $1.35 per prescription filled using the card. FMC expects 20,000 - 40,000 prescriptions per month in San Diego.
FMC will pay for all administrative costs and distribution of the card. The County to plans to help promote the card through its various partner networks like 211 San Diego. Information about the card will also be available at various county facilities like libraries, etc.
San Diego County is the 15th California city to enroll in FMC's program, according to the company's CMO Martin Dettelbach.
For more information call 800-931-8872 or 211. A temporary card can be downloaded at www.coast2coastrx.com. The card can be printed and used the same day.
