Announce U.S. Federal Trade Commission Clearance of Merger Caremark Rx, Inc. and AdvancePCS today announced that the Federal Trade Commission has closed its investigation of their proposed merger and granted early termination of the waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976

Your prescription drug card provides access to additional benefits such as a member-only website for managing your benefits. By registering on this website, you can: 1. Save with Low-Cost Generics Generic drugs provide the same health benefits as brand–name drugs but without the brand-name price tag. Use our Price Check feature to find out if a less costly generic equivalent of your medication is available. If so, ask your physician to switch you to generics. Register now to compare prices, find generic alternatives, and start saving. 2. Enjoy Convenient Home Delivery Get medications delivered conveniently to your home and save money.* Two registered pharmacists quality check every new prescription before your order is shipped free of charge to your home. Order refills, track your order status, and find out how much you can save online. 3. Get the Latest Benefit and Drug Information Look up your benefit details. Check out DrugDigest, a valuable resource for drug and health information that allows you to search its extensive drug library, check drug interactions, compare drugs and side effects, and more. Read our Health News to stay current with developments in health and medicine.

In general, CHAMPVA covers most health care services and supplies that are medically and psychologically necessary. Upon confirmation of eligibility, applicants will receive program material that specifically addresses covered and noncovered services and supplies.

The Official U.S. Government Site for People with Medicare

Starting in 2004, Medicare-approved drug discount cards will be available for immediate savings on prescription drugs. Medicare will contract with private companies to offer new, voluntary drug discount cards. A Medicare-approved drug discount card offers a discount off the full retail price of prescriptions. Savings are estimated to be 10-25% on many drugs. These voluntary cards are being offered until December 31, 2005, when this program ends and the new comprehensive prescription drug benefit begins

The Bush Administration is still pushing for a Medicare discount card.
"A drug discount plan is not intended to be a drug benefit, but simply a first step to provide Medicare beneficiaries with better information about pharmacy services and help them buy prescription drugs at lower costs," said Health and Human Services Secretary Tom Scully.

In 2000, the most common actual causes of death in the United States were tobacco (435,000), poor diet and physical inactivity (400,000), alcohol consumption (85,000), microbial agents (e.g., influenza and pneumonia, 75,000), toxic agents (e.g., pollutants and asbestos, 55,000), motor vehicle accidents (43,000), firearms (29,000), sexual behavior (20,000) and illicit use of drugs (17,000).