The Mrs. was at the drug store picking up a prescription for me yesterday (thanks!) and there was a woman in front of her with six prescriptions to fill. The clerk was going over the cost of each prescription with her, so she could decide which ones she would have filled. She couldn't afford to pay for having them all filled.

It is immoral and just plain wrong that anyone in America has to make decisions like this. Yet millions do every day.

I just wanted to note that anecdote, but it also reminded me of the BlountRX program.

This is a free, no-obligation prescription discount card offered by Advantage Wellness of America, a Knoxville company that offers a variety of health care programs. They are affiliated with a large national pharmacy benefit management program that negotiates the prescription card discounts.

It's a pretty good deal, especially for commonly prescribed medications and especially if there are generics available. If you sign up through the BlountRX program, they rebate a small percentage of sales back to Blount Co. government. There is also a KnoxRX card with similar rebates to Knox Co. government, or if you don't live in those counties they have an AdvantageRX plan that is exactly the same benefit.

You sign up online (follow one of the links above), print out your card, and present it when you have your prescription filled. It takes about five minutes to sign up. My pharmacy keeps the info online, so the discount is automatic. I have had one for about two years, and I save over 70% (about $50) per month on one prescription. Your savings will vary depending on the medication. I have never been hassled or solicited or spammed by the company. I am not affiliated with them in any way and mention this only as a public service announcement.

It's not a long-term solution to the myriad of problems with America's broken health care system. But it might help people like the woman in line at the pharmacy yesterday afford all her prescriptions instead of having to decide which ones to do without.