Freeborn County has partnered with a new prescription drug card program that is expected to help residents save money on their medications.

Called Coast2Coast Rx, the program saved people across the nation an average of 60 percent on the cost of prescription drugs in 2012, according to a news release.

The card is available at all pharmacies in Albert Lea, plus the Albert Lea Public Library and other county-affiliated buildings, said Alexandra Miller, director of communications for Financial Marketing Concepts, the marketing firm for the program. People can also print the card out online at www.coast2coastrx.com.

“With health care costs on the rise, prescription drug discounts will help ease some of the financial burdens individuals and families are facing at a time when they need it the most,” said Freeborn County Administrator John Kluever.

Kluever said the county had partnered with a different company for a prescription drug card program in the past, but that program wasn’t well marketed. He hopes the new card will be better marketed and that more people will be able to use it.

Miller said the card is intended to help uninsured residents or residents facing high insurance deductibles, but it may also help people in areas that their insurance does not cover. There are more than 60,000 prescription drugs included.

It may also cover some prescriptions for pets.

Besides discounts on prescriptions, the card provides discounts on dental, vision, veterinary and hearing services, plus discounts on lab and imaging tests and diabetes supplies and equipment for family members.

To check whether a prescription or service is covered, people can call 1-800-931-8872.

Other Minnesota counties included in the program are Blue Earth, Douglas, Fillmore, Hennepin, Redwood, Stearns, Wadena and Wantonwan.