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I’d like to comment on two very positive newsmakers that we believe will benefit thousands of Palm Beach County residents now and well into the future: discount prescription drug cards and the anticipated arrival of the Max Planck Society.
Cards Offer Average Savings of 20 Percent
On September 10, Palm Beach County launched its discount prescription drug card program. If you haven’t already done so, please be sure to pick up your free card at any County-owned building or library. Cards are also available at 46 local nonprofit organizations and nearly 100 area pharmacies.
We first told you about the program sponsored by the National Association of Counties back in April. I want to thank our County staff for getting the initial batch of 400,000 red-and-white cards printed and distributed so promptly. The cards work well, and you can use them at approximately 300 area pharmacies including Walgreens, CVS, Publix and Wal-Mart.
Any Palm Beach County resident is eligible, regardless of age, income, or existing health coverage. On average, you’ll save 20 percent off the retail price of commonly prescribed drugs that are not covered by insurance. Best of all, there is no cost to you or to taxpayers. There is no enrollment form, no membership fee and no restrictions or limits on frequency of use. It’s even good for some pet medications. You’ll find more details on our Web site, pbcgov.com, as well as a link to the program provider, Caremark Rx.
Max Planck Society Eyeing North County
The following day, my fellow County Commissioners and I conceptually agreed to support a $190-million incentive package to bring the renowned Max Planck Society (MPS) to North County. The German research giant is recognized as a world leader in natural sciences, life sciences, social sciences and the humanities, making it an ideal addition to the County’s growing biotechnology cluster.
Founded in 1948, MPS has produced 16 Nobel Prize winners. They employ more than 23,000 people at 78 institutes, labs and research centers in Europe and Asia. This will be MPS’s first facility in the United States. Hundreds of new knowledge-based jobs will be created by teaming with the scientists and educators at Scripps Florida and Florida Atlantic University. According to an economic computer model, our area could see financial return of $1.2 billion in gross regional product, economic output and personal income over the next 20 years.
I think it will be well worth our County’s commitment of $87 million for the proposed 100,000-square-foot research facility on FAU’s Jupiter campus. Plans include a world-class bio-imaging center, laboratories, classrooms, offices and an auditorium. The center will house approximately 135 MPS scientists and researchers.
FAU has agreed to donate the six-acre parcel of land next to Scripps Florida, but the key to this deal will be whether the state is willing to do its part. We are seeking $95 million in matching funds from the state’s innovative incentive fund, so I urge you to let your state senators and representatives know we need their support.
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Government
