CAREGIVERS USA NEWS
Vol. I, No. 10
January 13, 2003
CMS TAKING DRUG DISCOUNT CARD APPLICATIONS
Despite a court challenge from pharmacies, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has started taking applications from companies interested in offering prescription drug discount cards to Medicare beneficiaries. The plan is intended to foster competition among providers. Seniors would pay up to $25 for a drug discount card that would entitle them to savings of 10% to 13% on prescriptions and would have to check the Internet to find the discount plan best for their individual needs.
http://www.atsh.org/news/drug_discounts.html
ARIZONA, MISSOURI LAUNCH DRUG DISCOUNT PROGRAMS
Arizona Gov. Janet Napolitano last week signed an executive order launching a state program that, for $25 per year, may give seniors and disabled persons savings of up to 20% on prescription drugs.
http://www.atsh.org/news/arz_drugs.html
Missouri anticipates spending $75 million on its program, which covers 60 percent of medication costs for those 65 and older who are not eligible for Medicaid and who have annual incomes lower than $17,000. The state chapter of AARP is helping to manage the program.
http://atsh.org/news/mo_drugs.html
CVS FINED FOR DRUG OVERCHARGES
The nation's second-largest pharmacy chain, CVS, has agreed topay $1.1 million to 18 states who accused if of charging states full price for "partial-fill" prescriptions.
http://www.atsh.org/news/cvs.html
MOTORIZED WHEELCHAIR MANUFACTURER FINED
Electric Mobility, which manufactures the "Rascal Scooter" has agreed to pay more $225,000 in fees and consumer redress after an investigation by the state of New Jersey. The company also agreed that it distributors will prominently state the conditions under which Medicare is likely to pay some or all of the purchase cost of a motorized wheelchair.
http://atsh.org/news/mobility.html
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BETTER PLANNING WOULD IMPROVE ELDER CARE
A report from the Institute of Medicine finds that American health care of elders should focus more on preventing falls and pressure ulcers, maximizing function and developing advanced care plans. The report says that action in 20 key areas could "transform the entire health care system."
http://atsh.org/news/iom.html
AGING BOOMERS MAY NOT BREAK THE BANK
A new study finds that the aging of the boomers may not be the economic train wreck that's been widely predicted. Assuming a large percentage live into their 80s and 90s, boomers' health care costs may be relatively manageable, the report finds.
http://atsh.org/news/boomers.html
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Caregivers USA news is published by the Thou Shalt Honor Foundation. The editor is James R. Hood, who can be reached at jhood@thoushalthonor.org
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Copyright © 2003, Thou Shalt Honor Foundation
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