Spring 2003 Edition       

New Prescription Drug Plan By Chris Neidenberg Through the efforts of Councilman Allan Caan, the borough will directly offer all who qualify prescription drug benefits. To do this, it has formed a partnership with the Garden State Pharmacies Provider Services Corporation (GS-POPS). It will help administer the program and issue enrollees ID cards. The full council apparently became sold after meeting with a GS-POPS representative at a work session. A wide range of persons and their immediate family members, who contribute to Fair Lawn's community life in some way, can use the program. "This coverage will be provided at no charge to the borough or those taking advantage of the benefits," explained Caan, adding that there is no administrative overhead required on Fair Lawn's part. "We're working to finalize this as soon as possible." According to GS-POPS' web site, nine borough pharmacies, both major chain and local drug stores, will initially offer the Fair Lawn-only plan. GS-POPS describes itself as an insurer offering affordable medicines via granting access to a "huge network of chain and independent drug stores" throughout the United States. It currently administers numerous other private and municipal plans. GS-POPS web site states that it offers "affordable prescription benefit management services that are responsive to the individual needs" of clients. The insurer says it achieves this through "a unique partnership" between its highly-experienced professionals and the pharmacy network. Caan, who previously helped set up a merchants discount program for borough veterans and volunteers, told Fair Lawn News he has worked extensively as the municipality's point man in all talks with GS-POPS. Caan said he spent time bringing the information to his colleagues in helping secure an agreement. Now, Fair Lawn itself is a direct agent for the community, in offering access to these low-cost prescriptions. Mayor David Ganz explained that the program covers within its umbrella "any number of" individuals, including valid members of Fair Lawn's many civic and volunteer organizations. The plan apparently recognizes that many people, not just residents, give of their time in bettering the community - thus, meriting the borough's protection. "It can include any club, any resident, anybody who even works in Fair Lawn," said the mayor. Caan explained that the GS-POPS plan is competitive with other government or private-sector plans - in offering low prices through affordable co-pays. "The savings are there, whether you have a healthcare plan or not." he told residents. "It's a win-win program.". Don Oliver, with the Fair Lawn Homeowners Association, commended the council initiative. Oliver admitted being amazed that the member pharmacies profit at all from the plan. "How they make money is not our concern," said Oliver. "But residents will be able to save money, and on behalf of the association, I'd like to thank you." Ganz said GS-POPS offers one major advantage not always found in other, somewhat similar plans. "It (insurance) is also available for treatments not available in normal prescription programs, such as Viagra and female contraceptives," he pointed out. Deputy Mayor for Community Affairs Steven Weinstein commended Caan for the legwork which helped make the proposal a reality. "When you work hard enough and persevere, you can offer something that provides a great return on the part of the people of Fair Lawn," he told the audience. Those who will honor Fair Lawn's GS-POPS cards are:  Basic Home Health Care, 17-17 Broadway CVS:  Fair Lawn Ave. and Broadway Eckerd Drugs, 22-03 Fair Lawn Ave Garden Pharmacy, 13-38 River Road Pathmark Pharmacy, 22-00 Maple Ave Plymouth Park Pharmacy, 11-12 Saddle River Road Walgreen's Drug Store, 17-77 River Road