June 20, 2011Vol. 2
Issue No. 6

 

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Good Morning!

We've put together some of the most recent & important news in the insurance industry. 

Please give us a call or send us an email if you have any questions or concerns about the information enclosed in this newsletter.

We look forward to being an advocate for you in the insurance world.

Have a happy and healthy day!

 

In This Issue:
Discount Prescription Drug Programs... What are they?
Discount Prescription Drug Programs... Where are they?
Property & Casualty Corner | Brought to you by Lowcountry Insurance Services
Wellness Tip of the Month from Hilton Head Health
Recipe of the Month from Chef Jen Welper and The Culinary Arts Center at Hilton Head Health


Additional Links
 About:



Costco Member Prescription Program

Costco Abbreviated Drug List

Costco Member Prescription Program: Frequently Asked Questions

CVS Health Savings Pass

CVS Generic Rx List

Harris Teeter Generic Prescription Savings Club

Harris Teeter Generic Prescription Medication List

Harris Teeter Prescription Savings Club: Frequently Asked Questions

Kmart Prescription Savings Club

Kmart Prescription Savings Club: Frequently Asked Questions

Kroger $4/$10 Generic Prescription Program

Kroger Generic Drug List

Rite Aid Rx Savings Program

Rite Aid Saving Program Drug List

Target $4 Generic Program

Target $4 Drug List

Walgreens Prescription Savings Club

Walgreens Prescription Club Drug List

Walgreens Prescription Savings Club: Frequently Asked Questions

Walgreens Prescription Savings Club Brochure

Walmart $4 Prescription Program

Walmart $4 Drug List

Walmart $4 Prescription Program Details


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Discount Prescription Drug Programs  

... What are they? 

Discount-drug programs can save you money

Nearly all chain stores and pharmacies offer them

 

For almost a decade chain pharmacies nationwide have been selling select generic drugs for as little as $1 per week. And you've probably seen ads for similar drug programs at mass retailers and even some supermarkets. Here's what you need to know to maximize your medication savings.

  • What's included: Generic-drug programs cover hundreds of medications to treat many common conditions, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, type 2 diabetes, depression, osteoarthritis, and allergies.
  • What's (usually) not included: Newer, brand-name drugs.
  • How the plans work: Some pharmacies require you to sign up for membership or pay an annual fee. Others require only a doctor's prescription. Some memberships need to be renewed annually, while others are open-ended. Find out all the details before you need to fill a prescription in case the enrollment process takes longer than you anticipated.
  • Why pharmacies can sell drugs so cheaply: Some pharmacies say it's because they buy drugs in bulk. Others say that program membership fees help to offset the costs. Some pharmacies may lose money on these programs, but others, such as the "big box" stores, may make up the loss through impulse sales or sales of other high-ticket items.
  • What insurance covers: Generic medication included in these programs can be even cheaper than your insurance co-payment. If you have a $10 co-pay but the drug you need is offered by a pharmacy for $4, you should be eligible for the cheaper price. Simply pay for the drug out-of-pocket and the pharmacy won't submit the claim to your insurance company. Ask the pharmacist about any exclusions (also see the chart) or how the program works with Medicaid, Medicare, or another federal program you use.
  • Where to get good prices beyond the chains: If your preferred pharmacy is a mom-and-pop shop, it pays to ask if it will match the discount prices of the chain drugstores. In many cases the independents will try, and they may even offer a discount generic drug program of their own.

 

Discount Prescription Drug Programs

... Where are they?  

 

Costco Wholesale 

Discount: Less than $10 for a 90-day supply.

What's covered: 200 to 300 generic drugs.

Membership: No fee and Costco membership isn't required. Uninsured Costco members ($55 minimum fee) can join an additional savings program for free.

Who is covered: Costco members and nonmembers.

Bonus: Uninsured Costco members who join the free Costco Member Prescription Program receive savings that can range between 5 to 40 percent.

 

CVS Pharmacy 

Discount: $11.99 for a 90-day supply.

What's covered: More than 400 generic drugs.

Membership: $15 annual enrollment fee per person.

Who is covered: People not using insurance.

Bonus: Get CVS's Health Savings Pass and save 10 percent on flu shots and visits to CVS's MinuteClinic retail health clinics.

 

Harris Teeter 

Discount: 30 days for $3.99 and 90 days for $9.99

What's covered: More than 400 generic drugs.

Membership: $4.95 annual enrollment fee per VIC card.

Who is covered: All are covered.

Bonus: You can also qualify for up to a FREE 30 day supply of 5 generic diabetic medications: Chlorpropamide, Glimeperide, Glipizide, Glyburide and Metformin. Now through September 30, 2012 for every prescription filled or refilled at our Harris Teeter Pharmacy, you will receive a $20 electronic coupon good on your next purchase.

  

Kmart 

Discount: As low as $5 for a 30-day supply or $10 for a 90-day supply.

What's covered: More than 500 generic drugs.

Membership: $10 annual enrollment fee for individuals and households.

Who is covered: All are covered.

Bonus: Join Kmart's Pharmacy Savings Club and get discounts on hundreds of generic and brand-name drugs (5 to 20 percent off brand-name drugs, 5 to 35 percent off all other generic drugs). You can also get discounts on immunizations.

 

Kroger

Discount: $4 for a 30-day supply or $10 for a 90-day supply.

What's covered: About 300 generic drugs.

Membership: No fee.

Who is covered: All are covered.

Bonus: Earn points toward purchasing discounted gasoline at Kroger fuel centers and participating Shell stations. Prescriptions paid for by Medicaid or Medicare do not qualify.

 

Rite Aid Pharmacy 

Discount: $8.99 for a 30-day supply or $15.99 for a 90-day supply.

What's covered: More than 500 generic drugs.

Membership: No fee.

Who is covered: People not using insurance or publicly funded health-care programs.

Bonus: Enrolling in Rite Aid's Rx Savings Program can get you discounts on thousands of specified drugs (such as 15 to 20 percent off if you're uninsured or underinsured).

 

Target

Discount: $4 for a 30-day supply or $10 for a 90-day supply.

What's covered: More than 200 generic drugs.

Membership: No fee.

Who is covered: All are covered.

Bonus: Use Target's discount generic program to earn 5 percent off all Target purchases made on a single day after filling five eligible prescriptions at the pharmacy.

 

Walgreens 

Discount: $11.99 for a 90-day supply.

What's covered: More than 400 generic drugs.

Membership: $20 annual enrollment fee per person or $35 annual enrollment fee per family.

Who is covered: People not enrolled in a publicly funded health-care program.

Bonus: Join Walgreens' Prescription Savings Club and you'll earn discounts on more than 8,000 brand-name and all generic medications, and save 10 percent on flu shots. And when you buy store-brand products and photo-finishing services, you can earn bonuses for your next purchase.

 

Walmart

Discount: $4 for a 30-day supply or $10 for a 90-day supply.

What's covered: About 300 generic drugs.

Membership: No fee.

Who is covered: All are covered.

Bonus: Participate in Walmart's Retail Prescription Program and you'll receive free shipping options, so you won't even need to go to the store.

Property & Casualty Corner
Brought to you by:
 Lowcountry Insurance Services, Inc.

Congratulations Class of 2012:  

Now It's Time to Graduate to Your Own Insurance! 

 

It's a rite of passage for college students to don cap and gown and march for graduation ceremonies- in fact, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), nearly 1.8 million students will graduate with a bachelor's degree in 2012. As those 1.8 million make the transition from undergraduates to careers, pursuit of advanced degrees or back into mom and dad's basement, it's critical that they understand how walking across that stage may have changed their insurance needs.

 

While every individual's needs are unique, here are three basic insurance coverages that all college grads should consider, to see if they apply:

 

Auto insurance

A shiny new car, whether owned or leased, holds appeal for newly employed college grads. Auto insurance helps cope with the expenses of accidents, vandalism or theft. A lender or leasing company that finances the vehicle will require auto insurance. Car accidents can create large liabilities for a driver, so the liability portion of auto coverage helps protect the bank account. Plus, auto insurance covers many legal expenses if a driver is sued. If a graduate who already owns a car is moving, where they keep and register the car, especially from one state to another, can impact coverage. It's important for new graduates to let their insurance agent know about these moves to make sure their current coverage will still apply, or if they'll need a new policy.

 

Homeowners or renters insurance

College grads starting out may not own a home yet, but may rent a residence. To make sure their possessions are protected, homeowners and renters insurance offer comprehensive coverage whether at home or traveling. Liability insurance included in renters and homeowners coverage also helps protects against the risk of being sued. There usually are limitations on renters coverage within a group house-a typical post-graduate arrangement-so it is important to understand the details of a policy.

 

Life insurance

New grads may find a job with an employer that offers group term life insurance coverage. However, those with children may find it worthwhile to buy additional term life insurance or permanent life insurance, which builds cash value over time.

 

New college grads may want to lean financially on their parents' insurance coverage as long as possible (though mom and dad might feel a little differently!). While that makes sense, it's not always viable. For instance, auto insurance companies will require an owner or lessee of a car to carry their own coverage. There are plenty of insurance policies out there that new grads won't need, unless there are special circumstances, such as air travel insurance, contact lens insurance or cancer insurance. Typically, it is better to have comprehensive policies like renters or health.

 

Parents of new graduates also should take this time to review their own insurance portfolios, as there may be opportunities to reduce their premiums when child moves out of the home.

 

Lowcountry Insurance Services, a Trusted Choice® insurance professional can help new grads and their families navigate these waters, to provide sensible coverage that won't break the bank. Call (843) 522-2020

 
Lowcountry Insurance Services is partnered with Harbour Health Insurance Solutions to provide an even greater level of support for all of our clients than could be previously offered alone by the agencies. If you are interested in a joint review of current coverage by a LCINS / HHIS can contact Lowcountry Insurance (843-522-2020) or Harbour Health (843-671-9200).  

Wellness Tip of the Month 

Brought to you from Alicea Glover at:

H3_Logo  

Tanning has been in the news a lot lately, especially with the recent case of underage tanning. Whether intentionally sitting in the sun or partaking in outdoor activities, it's important we start stocking up on sunscreen to protect ourselves from skin cancer.   

 

Over the next six months you'll start seeing some new designations on sunscreen labels.  The FDA announced that manufactures must make labeling changes so that consumers are properly informed about their products.  This step will help users better protect themselves from some of the sun's harmful rays.   

 

Here's what you can expect:  

  • Broad-spectrum designation: Sunscreens that pass the FDA's broad-spectrum test, to see if they protect against both ultraviolet A and ultraviolet B rays, may be labeled as "Broad-Spectrum SPF" on the front label.
  • Use claims: Only broad-spectrum sunscreens with an SPF value of 15 or higher can claim to reduce skin-cancer risk and early skin aging if used as directed with other protective measures. Other sunscreens, including those with an SPF value between 2 and 14, can claim only to help prevent sunburn.
  • Waterproof, sweatproof and sunblock claims: Sunscreens cannot be labeled as waterproof or sweatproof, or be identified as a sunblock, because those words overstate their effectiveness. Sunscreens cannot claim to provide sun protection for more than two hours without reapplication or to provide immediate protection without having submitted data to obtain FDA approval.
  • Water-resistance claims: "Water-resistance" labeling must indicate whether the sunscreen is effective for 40 minutes or 80 minutes while swimming or sweating. Other sunscreens must include a recommendation advising consumers to use water-resistant sunscreen if swimming or sweating.
  • Drug facts: All sunscreens must include standard drug-facts information on the back or side.

Alicea Glover is responsible for H3 Direct, a corporate wellness program, facilitated by Hilton Head Health (H3), designed to take the inspiration of H3's Healthy Lifestyle™ program, delivered to your door. To learn about all the benefits of corporate wellness call (843)785-3919. You can invest in your employees' health for less than a quarter a day!

 

'Like' Hilton Head Health on Facebook and 'Follow' us on Pinterest!

H3 Recipe of the Month 

Brought to you by Chef Jen and the 

  

The Culinary Arts Center (CAC) at Hilton Head Health     

The Fourth of July is right around the corner. For this year's cookout, think simple and healthy. Check out our healthy cookout menu below.

 

For starters, whip up Taco Dip, Pita Chips, and fresh cut vegetables, while the family waits for the main course to finish.

 

Toss your favorite vegetables (mushrooms, zucchini, red onions) into a mixing bowl with one teaspoon of olive oil, salt and pepper then cook them on the grill until softened. Easy!  

 

For the entrée, try our H3 Teriyaki Pork Tenderloin Kabobs. Between the sweet Teriyaki Sauce, salty and tender pork, this dish is always a hit! Don't forget to add a few vegetables to bulk up each skewer.

 

Now, onto dessert. Grilled pineapple goes a very long way. Toss chopped pineapple on your grill, remove and drizzle with dark chocolate.  You will be thrilled with this sweet, juicy, treat.

 

Remember, the entire day is about spending time with your family so keep the meal simple. Instead of spending hours on a laborious meal, make an easy meal on the grill all the while enjoying quality time with your family.    

Teriyaki Pork Tenderloin Kebabs
Teriyaki Pork Tenderloin Kebabs

If you'd like to learn more healthy recipes or enjoy a new dining experience, join us for an interactive cooking class in the Culinary Arts Center at Hilton Head Health. Upcoming classes range from Sandwiches & Wraps to Cakes Galore. The Culinary Arts Center is the perfect setting for your next diner date or company party.  

 

Classes are open to Lowcoutry residents and visitors so check out or class schedule at www.hhhealth.com/cac or call (800) 292-2440 for more information on private parties and gift certificates.

 

'Like' the Culinary Arts Center at Hilton Head Health on Facebook! 

 

Who Is Harbour Health?
Harbour Health Insurance Solutions - www.hhisolutions.com - (843) 671-9200 or (843) 837-9200 WHHI TV's  

About Us:

Harbour Health Insurance Solutions is providing area businesses and individuals with comprehensive, cost-effective and value-added health benefits with packaged solutions.

In an extremely competitive industry, Harbour Health has set itself apart by delivering unparalleled service, advocacy and cost savings.

Our turnkey approach to servicing clients allows them to outsource their insurance and benefits needs to a proven expert and to redirect their time and resources toward what matters most to them.

Contact Us: 

Phone:    

   843.671.9200   

Fax:    

         843.671.9201          

Email:       

Info@hhisolutions.com       


Need a Quote? 

Personal Plan Quote Request Form        

Business / Group Quote Request Form       


Our Team:

Grant Cully

GCully@hhisolutions.com 

Janet Cully

JCully@hhisolutions.com 

 

Karen Cully

KCully@hhisolutions.com 

 

Gibbes McDowell

GMcDowell@hhisolutions.com

John Rhodes

JRhodes@hhisolutions.com

Ken Elias

KElias@hhisolutions.com

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Harbour Health Insurance Solutions is a proud member of both the:

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BeaufortChamberLogo 

 

 Are you a Chamber member?    

     

Call us to take advantage of special group and individual  

insurance options exclusively for Chamber members! 

We want your feedback!

 

Good or Bad, Complaint or Compliment, please let us know what you think we are doing right and if you think we can improve on anything.

 

We strive to ensure that you are pleased with our work and we truly appreciate any remarks that will help both improve our operations and promote our best qualities.  

 

CLICK HERE to let us know about your experience with Harbour Health