10 Drugs Now Have Lower Prices for Medicare Recipients
Ten popular prescription medications used largely by older adults will be an average of 50% cheaper for most of Oregon’s Medicare enrollees starting this year. The price cuts stem from a provision in the Inflation Reduction Act passed in 2022, allowing Medicare to negotiate lower prices on high-cost drugs. Stacey Larson with AARP Oregon says the change will help many of the state’s nearly 940,000 Medicare beneficiaries who struggle with out-of-pocket costs. The first round includes medications for diabetes, heart failure, arthritis and blood clot prevention, with more drugs expected to follow in 2027. The law also caps insulin at $35 a month and makes certain vaccines free for Medicare patients.
Temporary Flooding
For the past several days, Highway 126 near Cushman has experienced flooding during high tide events, slowing traffic at times. Heavy rain is responsible for the flooding. Rain is expected to ease off today, but return Tuesday and Wednesday. As of this morning, the National Weather Service has not issued a flood watch, though low-lying areas could still be affected. Wet weather could also lead to landslides or debris in roadways.
Steve Olienyk Passes
The Florence community is mourning the loss of longtime civic leader and World War Two veteran Steve Olienyk, who passed away at the age of 98. Olienyk was best known for founding and leading the Kiwanis Community Flag Program, which has placed American flags along Highway 101 and other main streets on patriotic holidays for nearly 40 years, with help from countless volunteers. In recent years, Steve and his wife Caroline were still installing new flagpoles together. Olienyk was named Florence First Citizen in 2021 for his lifelong service, leadership, and dedication to family, faith, country, and community. Memorial service information will be announced at a later date.
