FORT COLLINS — The Health District of Northern Larimer County has expanded the financial eligibility for programs that provide prescription assistance and reduced-cost mental health counseling.

Local residents with household incomes up to 250 percent of the Federal Poverty Guidelines will now be eligible for the Health District's Prescription Assistance Program and low-cost counseling services provided by the Connections program.

This translates to an income of $57,625 for a family of four. Eligibility for both services was formerly limited to those earning 200 percent or less of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.

The Prescription Assistance Program provides vouchers that residents can redeem at local pharmacies along with a small co-pay, according to the Health District.

In 2011, the program provided more than 18,000 one-month prescriptions to nearly 1,500 people.

Low-cost counseling is provided in conjunction with Touchstone Health Partners, formerly Larimer Center for Mental Health. The service provides mental health and substance-abuse assistance and referrals.