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Drug Details
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ÄFewer than 10% of Wabash eligible
participants used the International mail order option in 2005 in spite of the
fact that those who did experienced an average savings per script of $100.93.
84% of those participating were Actives with a collective savings of $119,198.
ÄWhile most drug plans experience a 15-18%
annual increase in costs, the average prescription cost for Wabash members
increased 1.3%. This is because our EHO cards allow Wabash members to choose
their own best savings option (alternate brand drugs, generic equivalents or
international imports).
Ä Remember to tell your friends and family about
Friends of Wabash - a low cost alternative to expensive drugs (often better than
Medicare Part D).
Ä Medicare Plan 9 members are reminded that they
may switch to our low cost Plan 10 with no drugs and save. Plan 10 members are
reminded that their free EHO drug card gives them access to generic, brand and
International drugs often at much lower prices than other commercial discount
cards/plans.
Ä Members exercising the International
mail-order option are reminded to allow extra time for processing and delivery
of orders. Some may be delayed at the border.
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Medicare
Part D
As reported by MSN Money, a recent Kaiser Family Foundation study found that 7.4
million seniors enrolled in the new Part D drug program have seen their
out-of-pocket costs increase under the new plan. Some were modest increases but
2.5 million retirees had dramatically higher costs when purchased under Part D
(see previous Banner Blue News articles - June and December 2005). Wabash
extends our ongoing appreciation to the researchers and pharmacists at EHO and
the Pharmacy Benefit Managers and administrators of our drug plan for predicting
this would happen. They advised the Wabash family to go slow and check each plan
thoroughly before abandoning their Wabash benefit and converting to the Federal
program. Compare Medicare Part D pricing at
www.drugbenefit.com
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Members of the Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen held
their quarterly meeting on Saturday, February 4th at Wabash Association. Mr. Bob
Kimmons, Wabash Administrator is shown with the meeting attendees below.
Members of the Wabash staff are available to speak to your group on topics such
as Medicare Part B benefits, Medicare Part D drugs and the Friends of Wabash
Drug Plan. If you need a speaker or a place to hold your meeting, call Bob
(888-800-9161) for details.
Detroit Carmen Meeting
Detroit Carmen will be joined at their April 5th meeting by Wabash
Administrator, Bob Kimmons. Plan to attend the meeting (Andiamo Restaurant,
21400 Michigan Avenue in Dearborn, MI) with questions, comments, issues and
suggestions. Also be prepared to learn about Wabash medical and drug programs
for families, friends and relatives. These programs are available to all Wabash
Actives and Retirees. Contact Mr. Steve Wilhelm for details (phone 260-710-0253
or email lctcu6760@aol.com).
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Spring Holidays
Wabash Association Office, Outpatient Clinic and Fitness Center Closed
April 14th (Good Friday and May 29th (Memorial Day).
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