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Medicare 2009 Information Links.http://www.medicare-partd.com/PartD-The-2009-Medicare-Part-D-Outlook.phpMedicare annually distributes the Medicare And You publication to all Medicare recipients. Clicking on the foregoing link will take you to the online version of the 2009 publication. There is another online information site, 2009 Medicare Part D Program Compared to 2008, 2007, 2006, which explains, in detail, the recent changes in Part D coverage. And, for anything you could ever want to know about Medicare, there is always the Official Medicare Site. Your Health Now - A Free Consumer Health MagazineEvery day people are inundated with health information - some of it confusing, and even contradictory. Now, the publisher of The Merck Manuals, a trusted medical resource since 1899 and the world´s most widely used medical reference books, is introducing yet another educational, unbiased, and free resource called Your Health Now. "Increasingly, people want information to help them take more active roles in health care decisions," notes Dr. Robert Berkow, editor emeritus of The Merck Manuals, and editor-in-chief of the new magazine. "Your Health Now is a tool to help people stay informed about health issues and foster productive conversations with their doctors." Your Health Now answers common health questions and also provides information about getting free and discounted medicines. Each issue focuses on a different health theme based on the most frequently accessed topics on the Merck Manuals Web site. An Advisory Board reviews the magazine to ensure that the content is non-promotional and unbiased. Each issue also includes expertise from a guest editor. Checkout the latest issue and sign up for a FREE subscription at http://www.yourhealthnow.com. Pharmacy ConnectionsIn this country there are millions of people with no health insurance. There are many more people who, even though they have insurance, don´t have the money to buy their medications. Although most people are unaware that help is available, there are numerous public and private programs that can help people save money on some of their prescription drugs. Several pharmaceutical companies also offer discount cards for eligible consumers. Certain consumer groups also provide subscribers will discounts on brand name and generic drugs. Drug manufacturers have Patient Assistance Programs that provide no cost or low cost drugs for those who can´t afford their medicines. Some insurance policies offer prescription coverage and low-income individuals may qualify for Medicaid. In addition, certain non-profit disease or disability organizations may offer assistance in funding drugs needed by their constituencies. Pharmacy Connections, a program funded through the Washington State Senate and signed into law by Governor Gary Locke, will help seniors and persons with disabilities meet their medication needs. The Pharmacy Connection will provide consumers information and help them access public and private programs that can help them save money on some or all of their prescription drugs. For more information, please call 1-888-435-3377. AWARDS application packets now availableWashington State residents ages 55 and older who are interested in receiving discounts on their prescription drugs may now order an AWARDS application packet directly. The AWARDS (A Washington Alliance to Reduce prescription Drug Spending) program, announced last summer by Governor Gary Locke, provides prescription drug discounts to seniors have no prescription drug coverage. There are no income guidelines to participate in the program, and you cannot be turned down for health reasons. The Health Care Authority contracted with Merck-Medco to administer the AWARDS program. How to enroll in AWARDS: * The fastest way to enroll is to call Merck-Medco at 1-800-988-4030. (If you are hearing or speech impaired, call 1-800-759-1089.) Merck-Medco's Customer Services are available 5:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 5:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Saturday (Pacific Standard Time). Using your credit card, the application process can be completed over the phone. The annual fee for individual members is $15, or $25 for families (two or more people). Shortly thereafter, you will receive a membership card in the mail to use immediately to receive prescription drug discounts at participating pharmacies or through Merck-Medco's mail-order service. * If you do not wish to use a credit card, you may request an application kit, and mail in your check or money order with the completed kit. You will receive your membership card via return mail. Want to find out more? Participating pharmacies. Call Merck-Medco at 1-800-988-4030 to ask about participating pharmacies in your area. (You can also find a list of major pharmacy chains participating with the AWARDS program in your county by clicking here.) Mail-order discounts on your prescription drugs. If you take medications to treat ongoing medical conditions, you can call Merck-Medco at 1-800-988-4030 to get a current price quote for specific drugs so you can determine your actual savings. Thinking of buying prescription or over-the-counter drugs online?Is it safe? How can you tell if a Website that sells medical products is legitimate? What is FDA doing to stop sites that are breaking the law? What should you do before you buy medical products online? Here's information on how you can take advantage of the convenience and privacy of online buying while still protecting your health and your money. The Food and Drug Administration has an informative Website that will help you make decisions. 
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