On January 12, Montgomery County launched a partnership with the National Association of Counties (NACo) to provide low-fee dental and select health services for citizens. This expands on the already existing successful discount prescription card program.
According to Montgomery County’s press release,
County Executive Isiah Leggett was joined today by Councilmember George Leventhal, chair of the Council’s Health and Human Services Committee, to launch the county’s participation in the National Association of Counties’ (NACo) Live Healthy Program which provides residents with low fee dental discounts on such services as check-ups, cleanings, fillings, crowns and more. The low-fee health discount program provides discounts on vision services, hearing aids and screenings, diabetes supplies and more. Joining him also were NACo’s Brian Namey, Director of Health and Human Services’ Uma Ahluwalia and Commission on Health and Aging’s member Dr. Alan S. Kaplan.
The Live Healthy Program now includes these services along with the very successful prescription discount program. Since the County joined NACo’s free prescription discount program (Montgomery RX) in late 2004, residents have saved more than $32 million on the cost of prescription medications. “We remain committed to improving access to health care through a variety of programs, including the Montgomery Cares program and the Care for Kids program,” said Leggett, “and with NACo’s program expanding to include low-fee dental and health services benefits, it was an easy decision for us to join and add these benefits for our residents.”
“This program offers direct savings to Montgomery County residents,” said Brian Namey, NACo’s public affairs director. “We are pleased to help counties create healthier communities and alleviate residents’ prescription, health and dental expenses. We applaud County Executive Leggett and Councilmember Leventhal for their leadership in making this program available in Montgomery County.”
“We are proud that for two years now, Montgomery County has been named the healthiest county in Maryland,” said Leventhal. “Part of the reason for that recognition is programs like this that bring expanded healthcare to all of our residents.”
NACo Live Healthy discounts are available to all residents, those with and without health insurance, as an added way to save on the cost of health care. The dental and health benefit discount program costs as little as $13.90 monthly for an individual (or $6.95 monthly for the dental OR health discount program) and residents save 15% to 50% off most dental procedures at participating dentists. Residents save 35% off the retail price of frames with the purchase of a complete pair of glasses. Participating providers include LenCrafters®, Pearle Vision®, Target Optical® and independent optometrists, ophthalmologists and opticians. Residents using the hearing services can save 35% off the price of hearing aids and screenings.
There are no annual limits placed on use, no forms to fill out, no waiting periods, no age or income requirements and no medical condition restrictions. The Live Healthy discount program is NOT health insurance.
“Good dental health is important for overall health,” said Alan S. Kaplan, MD, member of the County’s Commission on Health and a liaison to the Commission on Aging. “This program is important for seniors and all residents and I am glad Montgomery County joined NACo’s program.”
For more information go to www.montgomerycountymd.gov/live-healthy or Montgomery County residents: call 3-1-1.
