A discount card that could save residents money on prescription drugs not covered by insurance was authorized by the Craven County Board of Commissioners this week.

The card, which bears the county's seal, is expected to be available in eight to 10 weeks through the Craven County Health Department. 

The prescription drug discount plan is associated with a plan from the National Association of County Commissioners and CVS Caremark. The agreement would be in effect through May 14, 2011, and is much like one also offered to cities through the National League of Cities and approved recently by the City of New Bern.

One card is needed for each family to provide a discount on drugs not covered by insurance. Insured residents and New Bern residents may also use the county-endorsed card, but it does not duplicate savings.

Commissioner Lee K. Allen has served as president of the National Association of County Health Boards and first presented the NACo Drug Card program to Craven County Commissioners about a year ago. Commissioners recently authorized county staff to look into the advantages and potential liabilities of the plan and report back to the board.

Arey Grady, speaking as county legal counsel, said he had examined the contract required with Caremark and checked with four or five other counties that use the card.

He said he found "no issues" that would adversely affect Craven County government. "It's anecdotal, but apparently it is trouble free."

Scott Harrelson, the Craven County health director, said his look at the program showed a range of savings, depending on the drug, which average 22 percent.

"As far as implementing, we send a copy of the county seal and eight to 10 weeks later they send the cards," Harrelson said. "It looks like most of the pharmacies in the county accept it."

Specific information on how and where to obtain the card will be announced later.

Allen said 67 North Carolina counties now offer the drug savings card and made the motion to execute the contract with a provision for pre-audit language required by state law for most county agreements. All commissioners except Commissioner Perry Morris voted to approve it.

Morris said he was concerned that the contract language, which says Caremark would have the exclusive right to provide all cards with the endorsement with the county, could adversely affect drug programs offered at MERCI Clinic.

Commissioners unanimously approved a $27,658 appropriation from the county's fund balance to match three grants for volunteer fire departments in Cove City, Dover, and Fort Barnwell.

Fire department leaders Keith McCoy of Cove City, Brad White of Dover and Grady Milligan of Fort Barnwell outlined their grant requests for commissioners and said all items are necessary.

Chairman Jason Jones said the three western Craven County departments have large territory, and "not enough operating capital and do not have the tax base to raise it. They hold barbecues and fund drives to keep the fire tax from going up. We understand the situation you are in."

In other business, commissioners gave the Bear Town Bears, a nonprofit organization started a year ago to enhance tourism and local pride for New Bern's 300th anniversary, permission to put three fiberglass bears on county property. They will be paid for by local private and business money. They will be painted by local artists for placement at New Bern Riverfront Convention Center and the Craven County Courthouse.

Sue Book can be reached at (252) 635-5666 or sbook@freedomenc.com.