A new prescription drug discount card can help Augusta area residents save 20 percent or more on their prescriptions, according to United Way of the CSRA.

The FamilyWize Prescription Drug Program has distributed 10,000 cards in the area. They are available through a partnership between the United Way and Augusta-Richmond County to assist with rising prescription costs, said LaVerne Gold, the president and CEO of the area United Way.

The free card is available to anyone, regardless of age, income or how often prescriptions are filled. Recipients can get the cards if they don't have health insurance or if they require medicine not covered by their insurance plans, she said.

"Health costs are one of the highest increases in cost known to families and individuals, as well as employers. We know that it's going to benefit a lot of people," Ms. Gold said. "About 90 percent of existing pharmacies are participating in this program. It's a win-win not only for the employer, but for the individual and pharmacy as well."

The United Way of the CSRA is among more than 800 United Ways nationwide participating in the program, which a news release says will save people more than $50 million in the next year.

No application fee, joining fee or personal data is collected for the FamilyWize program. Ms. Gold said the program will soon expand to outlying counties.

Local businesses can obtain cards for all of their employees. The program even covers prescriptions for pets, Ms. Gold said.

The card is accepted at most pharmacies nationwide, including all major chains, and covers all prescription drugs, according to a United Way release.

The savings on the cost of the medicine is provided voluntarily by more than 55,000 participating pharmacies that have agreed to accept prices for medications that are close to the prices they make available to large insurance companies, according to a release.