Maine Township Residents Save Big on Prescriptions and Advocate Lutheran General Teams Up with The Summit on Balance Program

A Matter of Balance program offered at The Summit of Uptown

A Matter of Balance, an award winning program taught by Advocate Lutheran General Hospital staff, will be presented at The Summit of Uptown, 10 N. Summit (at Touhy), Park Ridge. Classes are scheduled for Thursdays from 10 a.m. to noon beginning March 20 through May 8.  There is no charge the programs, but registration is required. 

Emphasizing practical strategies to lessen the risk of falling, the program series is designed to improve fall awareness and increase general activity levels as it addresses the concerns that many older adults have about falls.  Those who are 60 years old and older should consider participating if they are concerned about falls; interested in improving balance, flexibility and strength; have fallen in the past or have restricted activities because of concerns about falling.

The classes, which are scheduled once a week for eight weeks, are designed to help those who attend view falls as controllable and make changes to reduce fall risks at home.  As they learn exercises to increase strength and balance, participants will also set goals for increasing activity.  

For further information and to register, call 1-800-323-8622 Code 8S67.

Light refreshments will be served. Guests are encouraged to arrive early or stay late for tours of the newly renovated retirement community.  Parking is available in the City’s central parking lot and the Uptown lot across the street. For a list of other educational and entertaining events at Summit, visit the Summit Facebook page or www.summitofuptown.com.

Maine Township Residents Save Over $230,000 with Prescription Drug Card

"When Maine Township launched its new prescription discount program that allows all Maine Township residents—regardless of income, age, or health status—to save on the cost of their medications, we knew this was a good thing," says Township Supervisor Carol A. Teschky. "But, the results have exceeded everyone's expectations. We are pleased to report that our township participants saved $230,045 in 2013 on 4,143 prescriptions filled."  

Teschky explains that the discount received by participants versus retail pricing amounted to an average of 64.56% overall for last year. The most money was saved in January, 2013 when the percentage hit a high of 68.43%.

The free prescription drug card offered through Coast2Coast Rx is good for the entire family and may be picked up at Maine Township offices or may also be downloaded and printed by going to www.coast2coastrx.com under "townships".

“With healthcare costs on the rise, prescription drug discounts will help ease some of the financial burdens individuals and families are facing at a time when they need help the most,” said Teschky. Since there are no eligibility requirements, the Rx card was expected to have a sizeable impact particularly on uninsured residents or residents who face high insurance deductibles.

Maine Township joined other townships throughout Cook, Lake and DuPage counties in offering this free card. Although the card is designed for people without health insurance, all residents should compare pricing whether or not they have insurance because in some cases it may offer better pricing than certain health insurance plans. In addition, some medications might not be covered in health plans that are covered by the Coast2Coast Rx card.

Teschky stresses that providing savings for residents through the Rx program comes at no expense to the Township.  In fact, the Township received a royalty of about 50 cents per prescription for a total of $3,300 in 2013. The royalty does not increase costs to the cardholder.  Besides the discount on prescriptions, the card also provides 50 to 80 percent discounts for lab and imaging tests, further helping residents save even more money on their healthcare costs.

Not insurance—and not intended to replace insurance—the Coast2Coast Rx plan features 59,000 plus participating pharmacies including major chains and most independents, more than 60,000 drugs, and savings of up to 65 percent on brand name generics.  The card has no expiration date and may be used as needed—even for pet prescriptions that are filled at a participating pharmacy.

For more information about the program, please call 847-297-2510, ext. 236 or visit www.coast2coastrx.com.