Questions answered by Lamar Paris, County Commissioner
Q. This is our first summer on Lake Nottely and we have been told that we should enjoy the lake level because it will not last long. Why can’t the lake stay full all year round?
A. Lake Nottely is a TVA reservoir and its operation is controlled by their guidelines. It is too complicated to discuss all the issues here, but you can access their web site at www.tva.gov, and that should give you a good overview of their lake level procedures.
Quote from TVA, “… in June, July, and August, flood guide levels are also target levels. In summer, we restrict releases with the objective of keeping tributary reservoir elevations as close as possible to their flood guide levels. The rest of the year, tributary reservoir levels may fall below flood guide levels by several feet to satisfy other operating objectives.” Releases are restricted during the summer, not eliminated, emphasizes Bach.
“Under normal operations, we restrict releases to minimum flows from June 1 through Labor Day. We release just enough water to meet reservoir-specific and system minimum flow requirements.”
We should be thankful that we have had adequate rainfall this year and when full, as it is this year, Lake Nottely is one of the most beautiful lakes anywhere. If you have not been on the lake this year, you have missed a treat.
Q. Has the NACo/Union County Prescription Drug Discount Card Program been successful?
A. Yes, very successful. Since the program first debuted in February of 2008 we are averaging 1,124 total prescriptions per month (total for the 27 months the program has been in effect is 30,356 perscriptions) with an average of 378 users per month (a total of 10,206 users) (through April of 2010). Average price savings per prescription is $11.93. Percentage of price savings is 26.01%. Total dollar savings for all prescriptions filled with the card is an astounding $355,813.94 for the 27 month period.
Q. Who sponsors this program?
A. This program is offered as a joint effort of the Union County Commissioner’s office and the National Association of Counties (NACo), of which Union County is a member.
Q. Can I still take advantage of this program?
A. Yes, you can. You can pick up a card at the commissioner’s office at the courthouse, pharmacies in town, the library, and several doctors offices. If any of these locations are out of cards, please call the Commissioner’s office at 706-439-6000.
The card is free and can be used anytime your prescription is not covered by insurance. Even if you have insurance, often certain prescriptions are not covered and you pay full price for those. Not any more!! There are no limits, no age requirements, no income requirements, no restrictions or limits on frequency of use and can be used by family members. More than 57,000 pharmacies nationwide accept the card, including most chain pharmacies and many independents. The program is administered by Caremark Rx, Inc., a leading pharmaceutical services company with broad experience in managing drug discount card programs.
Q. Has the program saved you money?
A. NACo is going to do a newspaper short feature story about the program and wants to feature a senior citizen or family who is taking advantage of the savings through the program wno would be willing to share their story. So, if you have a story about how the program has helped you to save money, please call Peggy in the Commissioner's Office (706-439-6000) as soon as possible or email ucexec@uniongov.com or unioncounty@uniongov.com .