Manatee County has joined the Coast2Coast prescription drug card program.
The card is available and free to all county residents, regardless of income, age or health status, and can offer substantial savings to those without prescription insurance coverage or who have high deductibles.
According to a news release, Coast2Coast last year saved cardholders across the nation an average of 60 percent on prescription drug costs. People living outside of the county are eligible, and pet medications are included.
The card can be used at all pharmacy chains and at most independent pharmacies in Manatee County and covers more than 60,000 drugs.
Manatee County is spending no public money on the program. Other participating Florida counties are Baker, Charlotte, Collier, Dixie, Hardee, Hernando, Highlands, Lee, Marion, Polk, Putnam, Saint Lucie, Sarasota and Seminole.
Residents can obtain the card at most participating pharmacies, governmental offices, libraries and county health facilities. They'll also be able to print the card and view the nearest participating locations at www.coast2coastrx.com.
Besides the discount on prescriptions, the card also provides discounts on dental, vision, veterinary and hearing services; plus discounts on lab and imaging tests and diabetes supplies and equipment for all family members.