By Jamara Green/National Association of Counties
Rising prescription drug costs continue to strain household budgets across the country, particularly for residents who are uninsured, underinsured, or managing chronic conditions. Counties are often on the front lines of these challenges, working to connect residents with affordable health resources while balancing limited local budgets. One no-cost tool available to counties is the Live Healthy Prescription Discount Program, a member benefit offered through the National Association of Counties (NACo).
The Live Healthy Program enables residents to save 40 percent to 80 percent on commonly used prescription medications, at no cost to counties or participants. There are no enrollment fees, eligibility requirements, or income restrictions, and residents do not need to have insurance to use the program. Residents with insurance may use either their insurance card or the Live Healthy card, whichever provides the larger discount. Savings are applied instantly at the pharmacy counter, allowing residents to manage everyday health expenses without additional paperwork or administrative burden.
See more: Podcast 83 episode on NACo’s Live Healthy Program (released Feb. 24, 2026)
NACo partners with CVS Caremark to administer the program, ensuring broad access and consistent savings nationwide. While CVS Caremark supports the program, the prescription discount card is accepted at nearly all pharmacies, including major national chains and independent, locally owned pharmacies. This flexibility allows residents to continue using the pharmacy they know and trust while still benefiting from meaningful prescription savings.
In addition to prescription discounts, the Live Healthy Program offers 10 percent savings at MinuteClinic walk-in clinics located inside select CVS Pharmacy and Target stores. MinuteClinic locations provide convenient access to services such as vaccinations, health screenings, and treatment for minor illnesses. For residents who may delay care due to cost, transportation barriers, or limited access to primary care, this added benefit helps expand affordable, timely care options within their communities.
Michigan counties have participated in the Live Healthy Program since 2005, demonstrating a long-standing commitment to improving affordability and access to care. In 2025 alone, residents in participating Michigan counties saved an average of $48.06 per prescription, representing approximately 52 percent in savings. These savings can make a meaningful difference for families managing ongoing medication needs, seniors living on fixed incomes, and individuals navigating temporary or long-term gaps in insurance coverage.
The program’s value is reflected in Oakland County, home to approximately 1.3 million residents. Residents who utilized the program in Oakland County saved an average of 72 percent per prescription, or about $186.60 per fill. Over the course of a year, that equates to roughly $614 in prescription savings per participating resident. With increased awareness and outreach, counties of all sizes can extend these benefits to more residents.
Beyond resident savings, the Live Healthy Program can also generate direct financial benefits for counties that choose to formally endorse the program. Endorsing counties may receive $1 for every prescription filled using the discount card within their jurisdiction. These monthly reimbursements can be reinvested into local health initiatives, outreach efforts, or other county priorities, creating a sustainable model that supports both residents and local governments.
Accessing the program is simple. Residents can visit NACoRx.org, enter their county name and download a free digital prescription discount card for immediate use. Counties can further support resident awareness by ordering printed cards for distribution at health departments, senior centers, libraries, and community events. For assistance printing those cards, or for counties not currently enrolled who would like to get started, we encourage you to contact us at LiveHealthy@naco.org.