St. Mary's County announced the launch of a prescription-discount card program on March 2 that is available free to all county residents through the National Association of Counties (NACo) and Caremark.

The county’s Department of Human Services, represented at the meeting by Cindy Richards, described the program as a no-cost, no-enrollment benefit for residents who are uninsured or whose prescriptions are not covered by insurance. Richards said the card can provide “an average of 23% off the full retail cost of prescription medications.”

Why it matters: County staff said the program aims to help residents who lack prescription coverage and to complement, not replace, private insurance. The cards are valid for entire households and carry no income, age or medical-condition restrictions.

Distribution and participation: Richards said the county has distribution points across St. Mary’s County, including public libraries, Department of Social Services offices, senior centers, and other partner locations. Residents can also print a card at www.caremark.com/naco. Richards noted there are 27 participating pharmacies within roughly 20 miles of Leonardtown; pharmacies check the card’s pricing in the register and will apply the lowest available retail price, she said.

County publicity and contacts: Karen Everett, the county public information officer, said the county is distributing a media release and that human-services staff distributed cards to partner agencies. Richards provided a contact phone number during the meeting for agencies and businesses interested in display materials or additional cards.

Ending: Commissioners and staff said they will monitor take-up and savings and will provide usage data to the board as it becomes available. The program is free to the county and to participating residents; county officials said neither NACo nor the county receives revenue from the card program.