Kings County residents have the opportunity for some relief from soaring prescription drug prices. The California Rx Card Program announced this week that it will make available free discount drug cards to all state residents. Everyone, both insured and uninsured, is eligible to participate, and there're no income or age restrictions. Users can reap savings between 10 and 75 percent for each drug, both generic and brand name. Average savings are 30 percent at some 3,500 pharmacies statewide. Participating pharmacies statewide include CVS Pharmacy, Rite Aid, Walgreens, Albertson's, K-Mart, Save-on and Longs Drug Store, as well as thousands of independent pharmacies.

Walgreens, K-Mart, Rite Aid and Longs Drugs pharmacies all have Kings County locations.

"This program puts drug companies in a better light," said Edward Brown, director of the California Rx Card Program, in an interview Thursday in Hanford. "It gives something back to the residents."

With the program's inception in October last year, residents of California have already saved $5.5 million in prescription drugs. Twenty five other states have similar programs, but California's is the biggest with 6.7 million documented uninsured residents, according to Brown.

"The focus on the program is on the uninsured, but it can be used by the underinsured," Brown said.

The result is savings can extend to anyone, be they insured or uninsured. California residents can download their free prescription drug card by visiting www.californiarxcard.com. Residents without Internet access can obtain a card by visiting any of the participating pharmacy locations. Participating pharmacies and prescription drug pricing can be located at www.californiarxcard.com.

"Discounts help people on fixed incomes," said Jennifer Gonzales, assistant to the program director at California Rx Card Program. Brown and Gonzales were traveling the Central Valley Thursday promoting the program.

The reporter can be reached at 583-2423.

(OCt. 17, 2008)