All state residents, regardless of income or age, are eligible to receive a free prescription drug discount card that could save money on all prescriptions, including those not covered by insurance plans.

The New York Rx Card is available online, or by asking preferred pharmacies, such as Kmart, to apply the discount. Residents of Jefferson, Lewis and St. Lawrence counties, however, already have county-sponsored drug discount cards.

The north country cards, offered through ProAct Inc., a prescription benefit management company, for Jefferson, Lewis and St. Lawrence counties, cannot be used in addition to the state card.

In St. Lawrence County, 62,000 cards were issued when the county partnered with ProAct in October 2005, and 10,000 more cards were just ordered April 24 to fill demand. So far, the cards have been used to buy nearly 128,000 prescriptions, saving more than $2 million off retail pricing.

For the new state cards, discounts can be as high as 75 percent, with the average running about 30 percent, according to Francesco M. Ciccone, New York Rx Card development director.

The card may be used to receive a discount on nonformulary drugs, which aren't covered under regular health insurace.

Most major chains will honor and accept the New York Rx Card, as will thousands of independent stores, Mr. Ciccone said, but everyone is encouraged to check the card's Web site under "pharmacy locator" to find pharmacies in the community that will accept the card.

Bolton's Pharmacy, Kinney Drugs, Rite Aid, Walgreens and Price Chopper pharmacy are some of the locations in Watertown, for example, that accept the discount card.

The Web site also allows visitors to look up the price of the listed prescription drugs.

People with insurance can use the card, Mr. Ciccone said.

"It won't lower your co-pays or insurance," he said. "If the discount is less than your co-pay, then use the card."

Seniors who have Medicare Part D can use the card, but they have to make sure they keep receipts to submit on the Part D plan to show they are outside of the gap benefit period, Mr. Ciccone said.

Adults are encouraged to print a New York Rx Card for themselves. The cards can be used for children as well.

Times staff writer Corey Fram contributed to this report.