AZ MEDICINE & ME™

Early in November AstraZeneca announced a new program they are calling AZ Medicine & Me™ that began November 15, 2006. Under AZ Medicine & Me™, qualifying Medicare D members are able to go to their participating local pharmacy and immediately receive savings on AstraZeneca products. Enrollees pay no more than $25 for a typical 30-day supply of AstraZeneca medicines available through Medicare Part D.

AZ Medicine & Me™ is not part the Medicare program, but is an independent offering from AstraZeneca designed to help people enrolled in Medicare Part D who need assistance in getting their medicines. Starting Nov. 15, people may sign up by calling the AZ Medicine & Me™ hotline at (1-800-957-6285) or visiting www.azmedicineandme.com.

Eligibility:

1. Enrolled in Medicare Part D.

2. Annual individual income at or below $30,000, or at or below $40,000 per couple.

3. Taking AstraZeneca medicine(s).

4. Spent at least 3% of annual household income on prescription drugs during the calendar year.

AZ Medicine & Me™ has no enrollment fee and is accessible at local pharmacies. Enrollees will pay no more than $25 for a typical 30-day supply of AstraZeneca medicines available through Medicare Part D and will receive the assistance at the pharmacy counter immediately upon initial qualification. Once the person completes the application process, they will have the choice of getting a 30-, 60- or 90-day supply of medicine filled at their local pharmacy, with additional savings for the 60- and 90-day fills. Out-of-pocket costs follow.

Individuals with annual incomes at or below 150% percent FPL:

Individuals with annual incomes between 150% percent FPL and 300%FPL:

AstraZeneca has received a favorable advisory opinion from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (OIG) affirming that the company's extension of coverage to Medicare Part D beneficiaries in its new program is consistent with OIG guidelines.

Please help spread the word of this new program for Medicare Part D beneficiaries to those who could benefit from it.

Advocacy tip: In practice, this program will only be helpful for now through the end December. Applicants should apply immediately to get assistance in 2006 based on this year’s out of pocket expenses. Members will need to accrue enough expenses again in 2007 to re-qualify for the rest of next year.

11/06