Cheaper prescription drugs could be on the way for some people in San Diego. The County Board of Supervisors will consider adopting a new program that would provide free prescription drug discount cards.
The discount would be provided through an arrangement with a company called Financial Marketing Concepts.
The firm says its discount cards can save people up to 65 percent off the retail price of prescription drugs.
County Supervisor Greg Cox said it's a great deal if you're one of more than 500,000 local residents who are uninsured.
"You figure about a sixth of the population in the county of San Diego certainly could benefit from this immediately," Cox pointed out, "and frankly a lot of the others could probably also benefit, depending on what their coverage is with their private insurance carrier."
The county would earn $1.25 for every prescription filled.
More than 80 cities and counties nationwide offer a similar prescription drug discount card. The local program would also include discounts on dental and vision coverage.
Consumer advocates say Americans who pay retail for prescriptions pay the highest drug costs in the world.
