California Rx Card Media Center

The California RX Card is making a big push to encourage residents to sign up for free discounts on a host of drugs. The program administered by United Networks of America but the discounts are funded by the pharmaceutical industry. The card offers discounts of 10 to 75 percent and is accepted at major pharmacies including CVS, Rite Aid and Walgreens.

Foothill Ranch resident Adam Vu used the card to fill a pain-killer prescription for his back after losing health insurance when he was in between jobs. "I went online. I simply took it to a pharmacy and got a discount. It was very easy."

At californiarxcard.com, you can look up drugs and how much they cost with the discount. All you have to do is enter your name and print the card. If you don't have Internet access, a participating pharmacy (see above) can sign you up. The card is for drugs not covered by insurance. No discount applies on co-pays.

Pharmacies that offer $4 generics, such as Wal-Mart and Target, don't participate in the program. The RX Card savings are most substantial for brand-name drugs.