The counties association has offered the program since 2005 and claims cardholders have received an average 22 percent discount on drugs. Counties make no money on the program and, after signing up, aren't involved in its administration. The association says 17 million prescriptions have been filled under the program, saving cardholders more than $224 million.
Andrew Goldschmidt, who heads the program for the counties association, said there's no way to know how many people are participating, because the cards are given out at no charge and no sign-up is required. But he said feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, including from local pharmacies in counties where it's offered.
Nearly one in four Minnesotans younger than 65 had no health insurance for all or part of 2007-08, according to U.S. Census Bureau statistics.
