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June 2001 Essma
TRICARE Senior Pharmacy Program Launched
An estimated 1.4 million military beneficiaries age 65 and older recently became eligible for one of the best pharmacy benefits available in the U.S. The TRICARE Senior Pharmacy Program will limit out-of-pocket costs and increase access to the National Mail Order Program and retail pharmacies that are part of the Department of Defense network, which include many major chain drug stores. Social Security & Medicare Questions
Q: I have a history of Osteoporosis and have had bone density tests many times. Now I am told that if I want a bone density test I have to sign a paper acknowledging that Medicare may not pay for it. Is this correct? Social Security & Medicare Questions
Q. Your answer about doctors who accept assignment, in the Medicare question of the March 2001 issue of this newsletter was confusing to me. When you wrote, `...115% more than the Medicare approved amount` I think you should have said `115% of the Medicare approved amount.` If, as in the example, Medicare approved $95.00 then 115% more would be $95.00 plus $109.25 or a total of $204.25; whereas 115% of $95.00 is 1.15 times $95.00 or $109.25 as the example indicates. Perhaps this is nit-picky but if one is accustomed to reading analytically then the presentation must be correct. Save on your next Prescription!
If you don`t already have prescription drug coverage, the League now offers supporters and their dependents the MatureRx(r) Prescription Drug Plan. June -- National Safety Month: Grandparents! Prevent Your Grandchildren from Being Poisoned: Safety Alert!
A startling fact has been learned in a study undertaken by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in association with the Poison Information Center at the Children`s Hospital in Birmingham, Alabama. Representatives Call for Notch Reform
Her Social Security check is $800 a month. Prescription Drug Update
Quick action on a Medicare prescription drug benefit is in doubt. Special Notch Reform Legislative Update
Senator Harry Reid (D-NV), long-time Notch Reform supporter and Senate Minority Whip, has introduced Social Security Notch Legislation, S.825. TSCL Announces New Legislative Leadership
TREA Senior Citizens League (TSCL) proudly welcomes Virginia Torsch, as Director of Legislative Affairs. Medicare Lockbox Rejected
The Senate recently rejected two Medicare lock-box proposals. Legislative Update: Reform Is The First Step
Social Security taxes will begin to fall short of benefits by 2016. Legislative Update: Sorting Through the Maze of Medicare Prescription Drug Proposals
In the April issue of The Social Security and Medicare Advisor, we provided details of President Bush`s plan for a Medicare prescription drug benefit. Health Care Cost Estimates Rise
Two government agencies recently revised their Health Care spending estimates upwards. Ask the Advisor: Bringing Home the Bacon
Although waste is associated with much government spending, `pork barrel` is probably the worst. However, your article in the February 2001 issue presents only a few examples of those, it appears that several are actually beneficial programs. Appearing to be legitimate are those associated with agriculture such as: animal waste management research, genetic research of chickens, and peanut allergy reduction. Ridiculous and extreme are such things as carousel and opera house restoration, and street corner renovation. Since there appears to be holes in your criticism it would be nice to see the entire list. Is one available?
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