San Diegans have saved more than $11.5 million on prescriptions since the county launched its free drug discount card two years ago.
The Coast2Coast RX program also rebates a portion of each sale back to the county.
The free card is available at San Diego County libraries and at most pharmacies. County residents can use it to get discounts of up to 75 percent off the retail price of prescription drugs.
The county receives $1.35 each time the card is used. So far, the card has generated $295,000 for public health programs.
Martin Dettlebach, chief marketing officer for Coast2Coast RX, said the card really delivers.
"It doesn't cost taxpayers any addition money; they get to use this card. It's money that would have been paid out by the pharmacies to drive in the business to us anyway, and in essence provides a donation or royalty to the county," Dettlebach explained.
The card also provides discounts on dental, hearing and vision care. Twenty-six California counties take part in the program.
