Mathews County has signed up to participate in the National Association of Counties’ new dental discount plan.

The plan is available to all residents of the county and their families. Individuals can choose to pay either an annual fee of $59 or a monthly fee of $6.95, while families pay either a yearly fee of $69 or a monthly fee of $8.95. Membership in the plan costs the county nothing.

With a discount card, residents can save from 5 to 50 percent on routine dental care such as cleanings, x-rays, and root canals and up to 20 percent on orthodontics at participating providers, said a press release. The program allows for unlimited usage, with no administrative forms or waiting periods required.

The program is not insurance and is not a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan, said the release. However, it can complement health insurance plans and provide savings when combined with health savings accounts, flexible spending accounts, and health reimbursement arrangements, said the release.

Cards should be available at all county offices and at various businesses and public buildings by next week.

The county continues to participate in NACO’s discount drug program, which is offered free of charge to all county residents. According to county records, 20 residents used the plan 44 times on average during the first five months of 2012. The average overall savings for the five month period was 28 percent.

For more information, call 725-7172.

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