NAPA (BCN) -- Napa County launched a free discount card program Wednesday that helps residents deal with the cost of prescription drugs not covered by their insurance.

The county is making the free cards available as part of a program sponsored by the National Association of Counties that offers an average savings of 22 percent off the cost of commonly prescribed drugs, including pet medications.

The cards can be used by any resident of Napa County, regardless of age, income, or existing health coverage, according to county officials.

"I am so pleased that we are able to offer this benefit to our residents, particularly in light of the ongoing recession," District 3 Supervisor Diane Dillon said in a statement.

"The NACo prescription discount card will offer significant  savings for the uninsured and underinsured residents of our county, and even  those fortunate to have prescription coverage may use the card to save money  on drugs that are not covered by their health plan," Dillon said.

The card is accepted at CVS (Longs) Drugs, Wal-Mart, Raley's, Rite Aid, Safeway, and Family Drug.

The program, administered by CVS Caremark, comes at no cost to taxpayers in Napa County, according to county officials.

The card can be obtained, with no paperwork or enrollment requirements, at several locations around the county. For locations, or more information about the program, visit http://www.co.napa.ca.us and click the link on the "Featured Services" section of the home page, or call Heidi  Merchen at (707) 299-2168.

(Copyright 2009, Bay City News, All rights reserved.)