While it's being looked at as a good deal for the more than 20 percent of residents who are out of work, it's being seen as a terrible deal for some businesses trying to keep people employed. Some pharmacists are opting not to accept the Taney County discount card because they fear it will hurt their bottom lines.

"It affects my bottom line because it takes the remaining 5 percent of the business that I have any control over pricing -- prescriptions by cash customers; it takes that control totally away from me," said pharmacist Rod Powell of Powell's Pharmacy in Forsyth.

Taney County Commissioner Jim Strafuss says the program will help thousands of residents who are struggling to pay for the medications that they need. He says the program would only have a very slight hit on the pharmacies who participate.

"I'm not asking anyone to sell items below cost; it's just a pre-determined profit. And also, at any time, they can choose not to accept this prescription card at all," said Strafuss.

The card program was made possible to Taney County because it is a member of the National Association of Counties, which negotiates the lower rate by dealing with high volume. Sixteen pharmacies in Taney County are participating.

The commissioner says to keep in mind, just because you have this card, it might not be the best deal for you, so shop around. The cards will be available in six weeks. You can pick them up at city hall buildings within the county, and at the Missouri Career Center in Branson.