Jan. 23rd, 2006

Executive Director's Column:
What Have You Done For Me Lately?

By ADAM JABLONOWSKI
That question is asked by many members and not only when they are deciding about paying their annual dues. From the perspective of our WCMSSM’s officers and staff, the answer is provided on a daily basis. We all work on your behalf to preserve your right to practice the medical profession in the way you choose. Whether we are fending off the unfunded mandates of the federal or state government or going to court against Blue Cross Blue Shield, our purpose is clear: Protect the physician-patient relationship.

Regardless of membership category, student, resident/fellow, active, life or retired, we serve all our members by adhering to that basic purpose. While we engage in a host of activities that may not seem directly related to that purpose, they really are. Social events aren’t just social, they can be much more as members mingle and share experiences that encourage their professional interests. Educational presentations on clinical, community or business topics can lead to enhancements in a medical practice as well as in the members own knowledge. Committees and WCMSSM governing entities, respectively, provide the day to day forum for inquiring into issues of concern to the membership and then acting on them.

If WCMSSM is not doing what you want, perhaps it’s time to let us know what we can do for you. It’s easier today than ever. Sending an e-mail will always get our attention. You can reach me at arj@msms.org. Don’t hesitate to let me know what’s on your mind. That’s the best way for us to be sure that we continue doing what you expect of us.

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Medicare Part D SNAFU
 

By PAUL NATINSKY
Reports of rocky transitions to Medicare's new prescription drug benefit plan have been rolling in from across the country.

Medicare Part D began enrolling beneficiaries in November and went into effect Jan. 1. Most of the initially apparent problems affect more than six million so-called dual eligibles, older poor people who qualify for both federal Medicare program and the state/federal Medicaid program. These beneficiaries received their drug coverage from Medicaid prior to Jan. 1. They were automatically enrolled in one of the 30-50 private plans that have contracted with Medicare to provide drug coverage under the federal program's Part D.

Common problems have included beneficiaries not appearing on a drug plan's roster despite having enrolled; drug plans not covering all of the drugs required by individual enrollees; low-income enrollees being charged high copays; and difficulty getting through to federal help lines to iron out problems.

On the solution side of the equation, President Bush has directed Medicare insurers to cover 30-day emergency supplies of drugs for dual-eligible beneficiaries and limit copays for this population to $5. The New York Times reported that 24 states, including California and New York, have initiated emergency assistance programs to get drugs to those caught in the bureacratic snarl. Michigan is not one of the states taking emergency measures.

Despite efforts to help those without needed drugs, many patients are dependent upon emergency drug supplies from pharmacists and physician-provided samples. One New York physician reportedly hospitalized a patient to ensure continuation of drug therapy when the patient was inappropriately asked to pay a $180 copay.

Finger pointing has already begun, with some patient advocacy groups saying the that the federal government rushed the plan along without much testing.

Pharmacists can help patients by enrolling them in appropriate plans on the spot. Reports indicate that independent pharmacies are helping patients more aggressively than most chain pharmacies.

Patients who need assistance can try the following resources:
Medicare help hotline, (800) 633-4227
Michigan Assistance Program, (800) 803-7174
Prescription Blue (for BCBSM Rx plan subsribers), (800) 565-1770

On the Internet try:
Medicare Part D Plan Finder or Medicare Rights Center

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Prepare For 2006-07 Flu Season
By Prebooking Now
 

Last year, Sanofi Pasteur's Fluzone® products sold out (60 million doses) in eight hours. Prebooking your influenza vaccine is the best way to prepare for the upcoming 2006-07 influenza season, and Sanofi Pasteur, which now offers four influenza vaccine products, will begin prebooking vaccines on Tuesday, January 31, at 12:00 noon (EST).

How to Prebook
• Log on to www.vaccineshoppe.com, where you can obtain a 2 percent savings (offer applies to on-line requests only)
• Call 1-800-VACCINE (1-800-822-2463)

All prebook requests will be processed with the same attention and care, whether the request is placed on-line or over the telephone. (Please note: Fax requests will not be accepted.)

You will receive confirmation of receipt of your request via e-mail or fax within 72 hours. Prior to shipping, you will receive notification of your request, the estimated time for shipment, and the amount of vaccine to be provided in the shipment.

Due to the nature of producing Fluzone, Influenza Virus Vaccine, No Preservative: 0.5 mL prefilled syringe (36 months of age and older), this presentation may ship approximately 4-6 weeks later than other Fluzone vaccine presentations. However, this is still well within the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommended guidelines for immunizing against influenza disease.

Chiron began prebooking vaccine earlier this week. Chiron does not sell directly to purchasers. Practices ordering Chiron vaccine must order through distributors. GlaxoSmithKline is not taking orders at this time and has not indicated when they will begin to do so. GlaxoSmithKline also utilizes distributors to sell their vaccine supply. To view the distributors list, visit www.msms.org/peml/imm/imm.html.

For more information, visit www.msms.org/peml/imm/imm.html or contact Rebecca Blake at MSMS at (517) 336-5729 or rblake@msms.org.

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This publication brought to you by Natinsky Publishing Network.

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