Two and a half years ago, Peoria County introduced a free prescription drug discount program through our partnership with the National Association of Counties (NACo). Peoria County was one of the first counties in the nation to offer this program to help our citizens, regardless of age, income or existing health coverage, cope with the high cost of prescription drugs. The program grants discount card holders an opportunity to save money on prescription drugs that are not otherwise covered by insurance. To measure the program’s efficacy, County staff receives monthly reports from NACo enumerating the savings Peoria County cardholders have experienced—a cumulative savings that may astound you.
Since June 1, 2006, Peoria County residents have saved more than $270,000 with their discount cards. That is $270,000 that can then be funneled back into the local economy via other types of spending. (Please note that this savings reflects prescriptions filled through the end of August, as September and October results had not been made available at the time of publication.) Approximately 800 prescriptions are presented for a discount each month, at an average discount of 25 percent.
Anyone can participate in the program. No registration is required, and you do not have to be a Medicare beneficiary. There are no income or age requirements or limits on usage, and individuals with prescription coverage can use the card for drugs not covered by their health plan. To participate, you need only obtain a card and present it at one of 54 participating pharmacies in Peoria County, or 57,000 nationwide. The discount card can be used when traveling, for mail-order prescriptions or for pet prescriptions purchased at a local pharmacy. Check your local library or city, village or township hall office for card availability. Cards are also available at the Peoria City/County Health Department, Bel-Wood Nursing Home and the Peoria County Courthouse. A comprehensive list of participating pharmacies and distribution sites is available at peoriacounty.org under the County Board web page.
While this beneficial program helps meet the County Board’s strategic goal of delivering quality services in a professional manner, more importantly, it helps you meet your goal of acquiring affordable prescription drugs for you and your family. For more information on this savings opportunity, call Peoria County Administration at (309) 672-6056 or visit peoriacounty.org. iBi