ONONDAGA COUNTY, N.Y. -- Onondaga County is extending its prescription drug benefits program. The program, which is managed by Pro-Act, started in November of last year with the goal of helping those who are uninsured or under-insured.

Cards were mailed to county residents to purchase generic and name-brand drugs at a discounted rate from local pharmacies.

Since they were first mailed out, officials said the cards have been used over 17,000 times, with an average savings of $18.50 per prescription. Because of that success, the county arranged to have 79,000 more cards mailed out starting Monday.

"I am very optimistic that this is just the next step in many steps to come that will help local residents to obtain essential pharmaceutical drugs at a more affordable price, and with the support of local pharmacies,” said William Meyer, (R) County Legislature Chairman.

Meyer said legislators are also considering sending additional cards to community leaders in their districts to help spread the word.