El Paso County, CO– El Paso County launched a new program to help county residents better manage the cost health services. As a member of the National Association of Counties (NACo), El Paso County is able to offer the Prescription/Health Discount and Dental Discount Programs to residents that will provide savings on prescriptions, health services and dental care.

El Paso County began the NACo Prescription Discount Program in 2009 and so far 22,000 residents have saved more than $563,597 on their prescriptions, with an average savings of 23.8 percent. In 2013, the County introduced the Dental Discount Program with more than 110 residents signing up. This year the County has added the NACo Health Discount Program.

The programs can be used by residents who do not have insurance and by those whose insurance does not cover the prescriptions or services they need. There are no annual limits placed on use, no forms to fill out, no waiting periods, no age or income requirements and no medical condition restrictions.

“Many families face difficulties in trying to pay for the costs of health care,” said El Paso County Commissioner Sallie Clark. “We are very pleased to provide residents with prescription, health and dental discount programs. These programs offer cost-saving options for many families across the county, making it easier to afford the services they need.”

The Prescription/Health Discount Program, which is administered by CVS Caremark, includes discounts on prescription medications, vision care, LASIK & PRK vision procedures, hearing aids & screenings, prepaid lab work, prepaid diagnostic imaging and diabetic supplies. A resident can begin saving on prescriptions as soon as he/she receives a discount card. For health services, memberships are available on a monthly or annual subscription basis for both individuals and families and discounts are available immediately upon enrollment.

The discount card can also be used to save money on pet medications that have to be purchased at a pharmacy. The card is accepted at 65,000 pharmacies nationwide including all the major chains such as Wal-Mart, CVS/pharmacy, Walgreens, Giant, Safeway and Rite Aid. Participating pharmacies also include the majority of community-based, independent pharmacies. Residents can register here: www.nacorx.org

The Dental Discount Program, administered by Careington International Corporation, allows residents to save 5 -50 percent on routine dental care and 20 percent on orthodontics. For a low monthly or annual membership rate, county residents have access to participating dentists who have agreed to provide services at discounted fees.

Recognizing the direct link between dental health and overall health, there is a growing nationwide need for routine dental care and treatment. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly one-third of all adults in the U.S. have untreated tooth decay. The dental program is an ideal option for individuals and families on tight budgets, who still place great importance on their dental health and hygiene.

“We are pleased to work with counties around the country to bring these important programs to their residents,” said NACo President Linda Langston, County Supervisor, Linn County, Iowa. “Our overall goal is to help counties and their residents. These programs help us accomplish that goal.”

The discount cards may be used by all El Paso County residents, regardless of age, income or existing health coverage. The discount cards are available at Centennial Hall and the Citizens Service Center. The prescription/health discount cards can also be printed from the Internet at www.nacorx.org or by calling toll-free 1.877.321.2652. Information about the dental program, can be found at www.nacodentalprogram.com or by calling 1.877.354.NACo (6226).

The NACo Prescription & Health Discount Program and Dental Discount Program are not insurance.

Register Here: www.nacohealth.org