Our San Tan Foothills

August Article - by Sandie Smith DISCOUNT DRUG CARD AVAILABLE IN PINAL COUNTY The discount card is not insurance. Pinal County is introducing a discount drug card through an alliance with the National Association of Counties (NACo). The drug discount card program helps consumers save money on their prescription medications any time their prescriptions are not covered by insurance. The free cards are distributed by Pinal County and may be used at any participating retail pharmacy. My office has a supply of these cards for distribution as do the offices of the health department. For additional information you may e-mail me at Sandie.Smith@pinalcountyaz.gov or call my office at 480-982-0659 or 520-866-6104. If you would like a supply for your HOA or organization we can make arrangements for you to provide this service to your membership. Savings Savings using this card average 20 percent; some discounts may be more, and some less, depending on the drug and quantity purchased. Cardholders are eligible for higher discounts on a three-month supply of some medications through mail service. Cardholders also can save on pet prescriptions at participating retail pharmacies. Who It�s For: The cards may be used by all county residents, regardless of age, income or existing health coverage. There is no enrollment form, no membership fee and no restrictions or limits on frequency of use. Cardholders and their family members may use the card any time their prescriptions are not covered by insurance. Unlike many other card programs, there is no enrollment cost or membership fee. The cardholder pays the negotiated discount price or the pharmacy�s retail price, whichever is lower. The average discount is 20 percent. Participating Pharmacies: More than 59,000 pharmacies nationwide accept the card, including most chain pharmacies and many independents. Wal-Mart pharmacies participate in the program. Medicare Part D Plan The NACo discount card program remains a useful option now that Medicare Part D has been implemented. For example, the card can be used when a Medicare Part D plan doesn�t cover a drug. LIBRARY SERVICES EXPANDED TO THE SAN TAN/QUEEN CREEK AREA The Board of Supervisors is proposing the construction of a library/health building near the Sheriff substation at Hunt and Arizona Farms Road on land that Pinal County owns. Denise Keller librarian for Pinal County is the support staff for this effort. The money for this effort comes from the Pinal County Library district. Due to the population boom in Pinal County, there are areas that have limited or no access to library service. The SanTan Heights/Johnson Ranch area had a population of 5,000 six years ago and now has a population of about 35,000-40,000. Many residents feel disadvantaged that no library facilities are located near their residence, and that they must travel 15-20 miles to reach a library. Additionally, Johnson Ranch residents are closest to the Queen Creek library, which is in Maricopa County. That library requires payment of an annual fee of $40, which Pinal residents resent having to pay. It is important to begin crafting a sense of community, especially among new residents. Most are arriving in our predominately rural environment with a distinctly urban outlook. Both positions are valid, but learning to work together on a shared vision will help us avoid conflict and establish the types of communities that will best serve all. The 12,000 foot structure will have 10,000 sq feet for the library plus 2000 sq feet for a basic health clinic and will have separate entrances. It was estimated that from the current design portion to completion it will take 12 to 14 months. INFORMATION FOR PRIMARY AND GENERAL ELECTIONS FOR 2008 The Pinal County Recorder and the Pinal County Elections Office have created this page on the Pinal County web site to help answer your questions about voting in the Primary Election on Tuesday, September 2 and in the General Election on Tuesday, November 4. Both elections will have options for you to vote for the presidential, state and local candidates of your choosing. http://pinalcountyaz.gov/Residents/Pages/VoterElectionsInformation.aspx THIS WEB SITE HAS INFORMATION ON: 2008 Primary Election Partisan CandidatesIdentification at the pollsVoter Precinct MapEarly Voting BallotPermanent Early Voting ListPrevious Election ResultsVoter Information BulletinVoter Registration Frequently Asked QuestionsVoter Statistics......AND MUCH MORE Some information in this article is from the Pinal County Web Site.