Resource Information
Holdiong Down Prescription Costs
Brother's and Sister's, as you all are aware the costs of prescription drugs and health care are right out front with all of the political debates that have been going on and will continue to be a very burning issue in our contract negations and with the political elections in November.  I went on line and have been doing some investigations about drug prices.  Most of us use the MEDCO mail in prescriptions to save money on the 90 day supplies. WELL, I have had my eyes opened during my investigations! First of all the $4.00 lists that Walmart (I know I can hear the groans already and wondering WHY WOULD ANYONE GO TO Walmart! Those of us who are retired and on fixed incomes will tell you one word MONEY! That's why.) and TARGET have out there are the SAME! So if you don't want to shop Walmart you can go to TARGET and spend the same amount for generic prescriptions. So what I would recommend everyone to do is print out a copy off the Internet and take it to your doctor and have them put the list in your file and when it comes time for a prescription have the doctor look to see if the medicine is on the list and go that route for your prescription instead of MEDCO by mail. Now another interesting bit of information that I discovered a medicine that I take is $50.00 for a 90 days supply at Met MEDCO, at Target the same medicine is $4.00 a 30 day supply making a 90 day supply $12.00 a difference of $38.00.  HELLO - Where am I going to get that medicine?
Also I had heard that you didn't need to be a member to use the Costco pharmacy. Well that did turn out to be TRUE! Since the pharmacies are state and federal regulated you have everyright to use them WITHOUT A MEMBERSHIP. To stare and compare prices you can access the information at www.costco.com and look for the pharmacy and access it that way. The same medicine at Medco again was $50.00 and at Costco it was $16.50 so again it was cheaper than MEDCO and some were cheaper than Target so again SHOP AROUND for the best "deal".
So if you are out traveling and need some prescriptions or are at home you have more money saving options at your fingers. It's also a way to help lower the high costs of prescriptions that the company will be saying is killing them. So again if you know of any retirees that don't have access to the Internet please pass this along to them so we can help everyone save some money. After all that's the name of the game! 

The  Wal*Mart $4 Perscription  web site.
The Target $4 Perscription  web site.
The Hy Vee $4 Perscription web site.

If you have any questions please contact me at jimperkey@cwa7102.org

In Unity, Jim Perkey EVP, 7102

Note: The Medco section on  www.myuhc.com  has an option "My RX Choices" that will check  your current drugs and tell you what they cost and if there is a generic that has a lower co-pay cost to it.   Also by going to "Claims and Balances" on the site it will show what the plan paid and what you paid on the drugs you ordered. (by webmaster)


Hints for Dealing with Benefits Department.
When dealing with Medical or the Qwest Service Center, have a pen and paper handy and take notes. REMEMBER the W's:
Who did you talk to?
When did you talk to them?
Why did you talk to them?
What did you ask them?
What did they say?
When you talk to the Qwest Service Center 
(1 800 729 7526) they will give you a tracking or case number -- very decent of them and VERY helpful!
Keep your receipts, insurance papers and notes in a file folder - this can be REAL helpful.

Health Benefits Coordinators
Are available to assist the Locals and Members with any health care problem or issue. 

Katie Coleman 
phone:612-663-2160 
fax: (612) 663-9907 
email kathleen.coleman@qwest.com

Carla Floyd
phone: (503) 251-7026 
fax: (503) 252-3364 
email Carla.Floyd@qwest.com

Do not hesitate to use the HBC’s if you need assistance.



Program for Employee
Information Referral

If employees or members of their families are having problems, or have questions concerning alcohol, drugs, stress, domestic voilence, gambling, depression to mention a few, a PEIR can assist them find the rigt agency for assistance. Click on the link for more info.
Feel free to contact any of the following.
It's confidential.
First number is work, second is pager or cell 
Jackie Brown IA 515-235-3194 
Merry Cunningham IA 515-235-3795 
515-284-7464 
Lorie Head * IA 515-246-2700 
515-360-4555 
Mark Rocha IA 
515-480-6886 
Denny Ryan IA 515-235-3779 
515-971-5783 
Carol  Spurgeon IA 515-235-3773 
515-967-1576 
Theresa Weston IA 515-246-2662 
515-558-1069 
* Indicates Management

Please contact the Union Office for any assistance, if you are going through 
a force reduction or reassignment. 
We are all in this together.
 

 

Qwest Savings 
& Investment Plan, Life Benefits
http://qwestbenefits.csplans.com

 United Health Care Medical and Prescription Drugs
www.myuhc.com

Health Care and Group Life Benefits 
Overview of your Benefits 

Qwest Benefit Site
https://qwestbenefits.csplans.com/portal/PortalLogin.jsp

Qwest Retiree HR Site
http://www.qwest.com/about/retirees/index.shtml

Pension Information 
http://www.qwestpension.com 


Qwest Tuition.com
https://www.qwesttuition.com/login.aspx?ReturnUrl=/welcome.aspx
 

USWESTRETIREE.ORG
People who are working for you and your future.
If you are retired or thinking about it 
you NEED to go to this site.
 
 


Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services

Medicare Modernization Act Prescription Drug Benefit /
Medicare Advantage Program
Your source for information on these programs.


   Forms 

CWA/Qwest Grievance Report 

Defense Fund Certification 

Week 2 of Strike Duty

Qwest Time in Title



The following people have assisted our members with questions on pensions 
and reitrement. Feel free to take advantage of their services. 


Dale A. Roshek
Senior Finacial Services Representative
454 Walnut, Suite 100
Des Moines. IA 50309
515 246 4076
800 543 4015 ext 64964
roshek.dale@principal.com
 


Vincent P. Sturm
Division Manager
2700 Westown Parkway, Suite 260
West Des Moines, IA 50266
515-278-2347 Fax 515-278-4324
Toll Free 800-959-0881
vsturm@wradvisors.com
www.waddell.com
Waddell & Reed does NOT support, in any way, privatizing Social Security

Whelan & Associates Wealth Managemenent
Leading the Way to Financial Independence
Kyle Whelan  Financial Advisor
14225 University Ave, Suite 200 
Waukee, IA 50263
515 223 2265
800 943 5269
kwhelan@whelan-axxos.com



 FEDS HELPING TRANSITION to DIGITAL TV

Like it or not, if you're among those who don't have a digital television or digital service like cable or satellite, you have until February 17, 2009, to purchase a digital converter box for your TV that uses antennas so you can receive new digital broadcasts.  In 1996, federal law mandated that all analog transmissions be converted to digital television to provide viewers with sharper pictures, a wider screen and greater sound quality.  The conversion, legislators said, would also free up airwaves for emergency first responders and new wireless communications.  If you can't afford the new technology, you can get two $40 coupons from the federal government to help cover the price of a digital converter box for your TV. Call 1 888 388-2009 or go to www.dtv2009.gov for more information.



Union Plus was created by the AFL-CIO in 1986 to help unions to provide union members and their families with high-quality consumer benefits and services
Each program is carefully researched and developed by a team of experts. They do all the homework and negotiate the best deals using the financial clout of the more than 13 million members represented by AFL-CIO unions. Through this affiliation, Union Privilege is able to offer benefits of much greater value and quality than members can generally get on their own. Because Union Privilege carefully monitors each program, members get prompt, courteous service and high-quality benefits -- as well as help in resolving any problems.

Visit the Union Plus Benefits page for detailed summary of some great union negotiated discounts on a wide variety of goods and services. 

Many of the drugs that physicians prescribe have brand grneric options that are equally beneficial but less expensive. Make sure you are taking the lowest cost prescription available. 
We ALL need to help keep costs down. Click above to find if you can reduce the cost. 
Helping you fight the high cost of health care by letting you know the costs behind your co-pay.
 
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