|
Upcoming Events:
- PPHA Annual Conference Update
Thursday, Oct. 8, Pittsburgh
- Call for Abstracts - Deadline July 20th
CDC’s Epidemiology and Prevention of Vaccine-Preventable Diseases, 11th Edition (The Pink Book) – Now available for Pre-Ordering!
The new, 11th edition of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Epidemiology and Prevention of Vaccine Preventable Diseases (The Pink Book) is now available for pre-ordering from the Public Health Foundation (PHF). “The Pink Book” provides physicians, nurses, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, pharmacists, and others with comprehensive information on vaccine-preventable diseases. The new 11th edition contains the latest information and updates on immunization, including:
- Revised principles of vaccination
- Updated recommendations on immunization
- New immunization strategies for healthcare practices and providers
- Guidelines on vaccine safety
This essential resource is now available for pre-ordering online by visiting the PHF online store at http://bookstore.phf.org. Additional ordering information is available by calling PHF toll-free at (877)252-1200 for full instructions.
|
|
GOVERNOR RENDELL PROPOSES OFFERING PRESCRIPTION HELP TO 30,000 MORE OLDER ADULTS AS PART OF PLAN TO SAVE $60 MILLION
HARRISBURG – Governor Edward G. Rendell today announced his proposal to raise the income limit for the Lottery-funded PACENET prescription drug benefit for older Pennsylvanians, providing help to an additional 30,000 people who have little or no drug coverage now.
“As older adults struggle to make ends meet in these challenging economic times, providing comprehensive prescription medication coverage is more important than ever. It is my goal for everyone in Pennsylvania to have sufficient drug coverage and this is another step in making that happen,” Governor Rendell said. “I urge the General Assembly to quickly approve this proposal and help our older citizens.”
The Governor proposes to boost the PACENET income limits from $23,500 to $30,000 for an individual and from $31,500 to $40,000 for a couple. The changes in PACENET will be especially beneficial for people who have a lapse in coverage in Medicare Part D because they can not afford their medication when it is not covered by the federal program.
Another change will be an increase in dispensing fees paid to pharmacies when they fill prescriptions. The increase will be from $4 to $7 for brand-name drugs and from $4 to $12 for generic medications. The PACE (Pharmaceutical Contract for the Elderly) provider reimbursement formula will also change to eliminate Average Wholesale Price (AWP) and pay pharmacists on the actual acquisition price of the medication.
The PACE program currently receives a rebate from pharmaceutical manufacturers that is lower than what those manufacturers pay to Medicaid. The Governor’s proposal will require manufacturers to reimburse PACE the same amount they pay to Medicaid.
The cost of the PACENET enrollment expansion and the increased dispensing fees will be more than offset by the overall savings from these proposed changes. There will be a net saving to the state lottery fund of $60.4 million created by the higher reimbursement paid by the drug companies.
Since PACE began in July 1984, it has provided prescription medications for more than 1.2 million state residents. PACENET was created in 1996 to assist older adults whose incomes fall just above PACE limits but who still may need assistance paying for prescription drugs.
Both programs are funded by the Pennsylvania Lottery, the only lottery in the United States to dedicate all of its net revenue to support programs for older residents.
For information about PACE and PACENET, visit the Department of Aging at www.aging.state.pa.us or call, toll-free, 1-800-225-7223.
***
PENNSYLVANIA FARM MARKET GUIDE NOW AVAILABLE
New Online Tool Helps Consumers Search for Markets by County, Product or Name
HARRISBURG – From sweet corn and pick-your-own strawberries to baked goods and hearty flowers, consumers can find the best Pennsylvania has to offer with the 2009 Consumer’s Guide to Pennsylvania Farm Markets, said Agriculture Secretary Dennis Wolff.
“Pennsylvania is home to more than 1,200 farm markets where consumers can buy fresh, nutritious products,” said Wolff. “The guide is a great way for people to connect with local producers, while directly supporting them and the state’s economy.”
The guide lists farm markets by county and provides the name, location, dates and hours of operation, types of food sold and contact information. The guide also denotes farm markets participating in the state’s Farmers Market Nutrition Program, which benefits older adults and Women, Infants and Children, or WIC, participants.
For the first time, the guide is searchable by county, product or market name at www.agriculture.state.pa.us by clicking on “Online Services” and then “Farm Markets.”
Many Pennsylvania farm markets are travel destinations, giving visitors the opportunity to visit the farm or orchard to pick berries, apples, peaches, grapes and other fresh fruits and vegetables. The guide lists these offerings in conjunction with Keystone Country, the state’s agritourism program.
Keystone Country’s Web site, www.visitpa.com/KeystoneCountry, features an interactive map with agritourism destinations searchable by city or region, and lists nearby restaurants, lodging and activities. For added convenience, the site offers pre-planned road trips with stops at some of Pennsylvania’s best farms and markets.
For more information about farmers markets or stands, or for consumers without Internet access to request a guide, contact Kathy Cutman at 717-783-9948 or kcutman@state.pa.us.
|