Collin County's Prescription Discount Card may not be the end-all answer to high-priced medications, but it can bring some real savings to those who use it.

The free discount card is offered through a joint effort between Collin County government and the National Association of Counties, with no strings attached or gimmicks. No telemarketing, no spam, no sales pitches, forms, enrollment or extra fees — and its accepted by 8 out of 10 retail pharmacies nationwide. That includes most major pharmacy chains in this region.

Families can use it for prescriptions that aren't covered by insurance programs — and it certainly can be used by those who have no health insurance or prescription plans. The card can't be used with any other discount plan, such as Medicare. There are no other restrictions and the card can be used as many times as needed.

Last year, county residents began using the discount card in April and some 6,000-plus prescriptions later, averaged $8.07 in discount for each prescription filled — more than 15 % off regular retail prices. In fact, tracking savings over that last year, discounts ranged from 12% to more than 16% off retail.

Deeper discounts (up to 50 %) are available for mail-order prescriptions. For a Direct mail price listing and other discount programs with the card, click here.

Residents can pick up the discount cards at Collin County's Health Care Services at 825 N. McDonald St., in McKinney.

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