NEWS WATCH: NACDS JOINS RETAILER METH WATCH PROGRAM...TESCO SEEKS DOMINANCE IN NONFOOD: REPORT...MEDICARE SIMPLIFIES APPLICATION PROCESS

NACDS JOINS RETAILER METH WATCH PROGRAM

ociation of Chain Drug Stores here will join the Consumer Healthcare Products Associations Retailer Meth Watch Program, the association said. Retailer Meth Watch, sponsored by the CHPA, provides funding, educational resources, training and technical assistance to retailers and law enforcement to help in the battle against methamphetamine production. The program helps retailers thwart suspicious sales and theft of pseudoephedrine and other common household products that can be used in making the illegal drug.

TESCO SEEKS DOMINANCE IN NONFOOD: REPORT

CHESHUNT, England -- Tesco here is planning to build up its presence in nonfood, according to a recent media report. Last month, Tesco cut prices on 450 stockkeeping units by over 10%, the equivalent of $125 million U.S., other reports said. Another a media report cited Verdict, a British market research company as saying that Tesco wants to become No. 1 in nonfood.

MEDICARE SIMPLIFIES APPLICATION PROCESS

WASHINGTON -- The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services here had simplified the application process for the low-income benefit of the interim Medicare drug benefit program, allowing state pharmacy assistance programs, in certain situations, to automatically enroll low-income beneficiaries. CMS also provided a standardized application form for the drug discount cards. "Making it easier to enroll and receive the benefit is another example of our commitment to helping seniors lower their drug costs," said Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy G. Thompson.