Tuesday, January 19, 2010

In Miami-Dade County, three in 10 residents under the age of 65 are without health insurance; that's approximately 600,000 people.

This rate is expected to rise as the rate of unemployment continues in the double-digits, causing even more families to lose jobs and as a result, their health insurance.

In order to bring relief to these families, United Way of Miami-Dade has partnered with FamilyWize, a nationwide community service partnership that works with nonprofit organizations and government agencies to make prescription drug discount cards available to uninsured and underinsured people.

United Way is distributing FamilyWize Prescription Drug Discount Cards, making it possible for individuals and families who use the cards to potentially save up to 40 percent on the cost of their prescription medicines.  To look up discount amounts of specific medications, visit the FamilyWize website.  The cards can be used as often as needed, for any prescription and for anyone in the family, with no income limit, age requirement, eligibility or registration required.

"Forty percent of adults don’t buy the medicines they need, have difficulty affording them or reduce the required dosage because of high costs. The FamilyWize prescription drug discount cards will help those who otherwise could not afford to buy the medicines they need,” Harve A. Mogul, president and CEO, United Way of Miami-Dade, said.

The cards are free-of-charge, in both English and Spanish, and are accepted at more than 500 pharmacies countywide, including COSTCO, Walgreens, Publix, Target, Wal-Mart, Winn Dixie and Navarro Discount Pharmacy, which recently partnered with United Way to both distribute and accept the card at all its 28 Miami-Dade locations.   A card can also be printed directly from our website: FamilyWize Prescription Drug Discount Card.  To find a list of participating pharmacies near you, click here.

No one should have to choose between their bills and their health.  If you or someone you know is without health insurance or has insufficient coverage, inform them about FamilyWize.  Print the card today and start saving. 

For more information, please contact Jeff Hawley at (305) 646-7086 or hawleyj@unitedwaymiami.org

YOU CAN AFFORD TO GO TO COLLEGE.

CAN YOU AFFORD NOT TO?

SMART SHOPPING FOR COLLEGE MONEY

If your family income is less than $250,000,

You may be eligible for financial aid!

u   Learn how to navigate the system

u   Hear testimonies from scholarship recipients

u   Learn about financial aid and scholarships

u   Step by Step through the FAFSA application

Sunday, January 10, 2010

10:00—1:00 p.m.

Temple Beth Sholom

4144 Chase Avenue, Miami Beach

RSVP to Tamara Kaz at tk @tbsmb.org or 305.538.7231 x232

FREE Community Event

A program for High School Juniors, Seniors and their families

 
Lisa Rogers-Cherry

Don’t spend money to de-stress. As we approach the festive season, a time that is considered by some as one of the most stressful times of the year -- I ask that you do not spend money to de-stress.  Some people will often make purchases to make themselves feel better. Think of what big ticket items you have purchased when you were sad, depressed or were simply having a bad day. I used to spend money just to wind down after a stressful day. Sometimes I would end up buying things that I didn't need to make myself feel better. Now, I’ve found that I feel better by finding something constructive to do like writing in a journal, trying a new recipe, reading a book, or spending time with my family. Can you think of several things that you can do instead of spending money?

The Marlins Stadium parking garage cost increases more than $40 million

In what was so not a surprise, the City of Miami Commissioners got the bad news that the projected Marlins Stadium parking garage cost of $94 million increased to $135 million.

Stadium opponents will likely rub that in the faces of the commissioners who supported the deal and surely, the last few weeks of the upcoming elections will find Commissioners Joe Sanchez and Michelle Spence-Jones in defense mode regarding their vote on the project. Those additional $41 million will not be lost on the voters taxpayers in the City of Miami.

Don’t get it twisted, the City of Miami Commission took the first hit in announcing a cost increase in the Marlins Stadium project. There will likely be more increases before the project is completed. How the taxpayers respond to the increases is the big question. Stay tuned.

Related Links:

Marlins Stadium Parking Garage Costs Soar

Marlins garage already $41m over budget

 by Lisa Rogers-Cherry

I recently heard a friend say that we are blessed with more than enough.  Although America is currently in a recession, almost everyone has more than enough of something that can be shared.  How many pair of shoes, pants, or socks do you own?  If you have more than ten pair of any of these items, I'd say that you have more than enough.  Take a quick look around your home, office, garage, closets, or kitchen and take notice of what you have more than enough of.  Now, think of two people or organizations that can be helped by your donation.  Let's all pay it forward without spending a dime.  So many people are hurting and in desperate need of our assistance. 

Lisa Rogers-Cherry is the author of Lifting the Burdens of Debt:  A Helpful Guide to Getting Your Debts Paid and Your Life Back on Track (2005; $14.95).  If you have a question or would like more information about the book go to www.redpenpress.com, e-mail her at Lisa@redpenpress.com, or write Lisa Rogers-Cherry, Red Pen Press, P.O. Box 1196 , Dania Beach , FL 33004.

On TUESDAY, AUG. 25^TH, participating McDonald's are offering a second Big Mac or Quarter Pounder with Cheese for 25¢ with the purchase of one at the regular price. Check restaurant for details.