BINGHAMTON, N.Y. -- Officials in Broome County believe a new partnership could wind up saving upwards of $10 million locally.

On Thursday, they announced the county would be joining the Keenan Pharmacy Purchasing Coalition.

Leaders said joining the coalition will save Broome County about 21% of its current annual prescription plan cost.

That creates a savings of about $3 million.

Keenan Pharmacy will also help the county educate doctors about lower-cost drug alternatives, which they estimate will save about $2 million. 

"Taking the county's 6,000 members, joining it or sharing it with 600,000 lives, gives us bargaining position with pricing with pharmacy benefit managers where we're going to experience a significant savings," said Thomas Dellapenna, Broome County Risk Manager.

The county could see their $5 million in savings double if the governor's office approves it through the shared services initiative plan.