Inside This Issue:
Making It Easy to Keep In Touch | Healthy Eating
Financial Strength | Questions & Answers | First Aid For Stress

With the cost of prescription medication rising faster than all other forms of health care¹, more and more Americans are turning to generic drugs as a safe and effective way to reduce their out-of-pocket expenses. In fact, the Congressional Budget Office estimates that generic drugs save consumers an estimated $8-10 billion a year at retail pharmacies throughout the U.S.²

Despite the tremendous savings available, some people are still hesitant to turn to generics. Often this is the result of lingering misconceptions about the safety and effectiveness of generic medications – misconceptions that could be costing the public millions of dollars
each year.

In truth there is little reason to worry about substituting generic drugs for brand name pharmaceuticals. About half the drugs on the market today are available in generic form³, and according to the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (a division of the FDA) generic drugs are just as safe and effective as their brand name counterparts⁴. By law, generic drugs are required to have the exact same active ingredients, work the same way in the body, and have the same risks and benefits as brand name drugs.

In fact, the only real difference between the two types is the appearance (trademark laws prohibit a generic from looking just like the brand) and the cost, which is typically much lower for generics. And since it takes an average of seven years before a brand-name drug can be offered as a generic, you can take comfort in knowing that they have been time tested.

Given their significant cost savings and proven safety, switching to generic medications can be one of the easiest ways for AARP members to reduce their overall medical costs. This is particularly true in light of a recent AARP study⁵ that found Americans age 65 and older now take an average of 4.5 prescription medications at any given time.

Whether you’re on Medicare or private insurance, here are a few suggestions that may help you cut costs through the use of generic medications:

1. Be sure to ask your doctor(s) if a generic alternative is available for any prescriptions they write.
   
   
2. Check with your pharmacist about using generic alternatives. Most states have laws that require pharmacists to substitute an equivalent generic unless the physician writes D.A.W. (dispense as written) on the prescription.
   
   
3. You may want to consult your insurance company to see if they can supply a list of approved generic alternatives.
   
   
4. There are also a number of on-line resources, including the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, Office of Generic Drugs www.fda.gov/cder; or www.rxlist.com, a site that lists the 200 most common prescriptions and their generic alternatives*.

1. What is a generic drug?
A generic drug is typically an identical or “bioequivalent” version of a brand-name drug. The generic drug can be produced by a variety of manufacturers and must be sold under its chemical name. Before receiving approval from the FDA, all generic drugs must prove that they are the same as the brand in dosage form, safety, strength, route of administration, quality, performance characteristics and intended use.

2. Why are generics cheaper?
Before a brand name drug is allowed to become generic, the original manufacturer usually has seven years to market the product. (This gives them time to recoup costs for research, development and marketing.) Once the product becomes generic, other manufacturers are able to produce it, usually at a lower cost because they don’t have the same up-front expenses.

3. Are generics safe?
The FDA requires generic drugs to be just as safe and effective as the original brand-name medications. In the vast majority of cases, patients will not experience any differences.

4. Are there times when I should not switch to a generic?
While extremely rare, there are a few occasions where people should not switch to a generic. That’s why it is always recommended to consult your physician before switching medications.

1. New York Life News, Get Educated To Reduce
   Health Costs, May 2002
   
   
2. Center For Drug Evaluation and Research, Office of
   Generic Drugs, www.fda.gov/cder, (Last Updated
   6/17/02)
   
   
3. MSN – WebMD, Drug FAQs, Charlotte E Grayson,
   MD, 2001
   
   
4. Center For Drug Evaluation and Research, Generic
   Drugs: Questions and Answers, www.fda.gov/cder,
   (Last Updated 6/12/02)
   
   
5. AARP, Wise Use of Medications Campaign Draft,
   April 5, 2002

At New York Life Insurance Company, we want to make it easy for AARP members to get the information and service they require. Depending on your needs and preferences, you can now choose between any of three communication methods: live customer service representatives, automated telephone services, and an informative Web site. Best of all, there’s absolutely no cost to use any of these convenient services!

While usage continues to rise on the automated telephone service line and the web site, most AARP Life Insurance customers still prefer to speak with our helpful customer service representatives. We also offer direct access to our claims representatives, a special TDD line for the hearing impaired, and a new service that accommodates Spanish-speaking members.

Of course, there may be times when your needs are less complicated, or you want to conduct service after normal operating hours (times vary by department, see listing). On those occasions you can call our automated customer service line, which is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Members can also request service, review Certificate and product information, send comments or questions via e-mail, and access a variety of other resources by logging on to our Web site: www.nylaarp.com.

Check Our Convenient Service Directory

Customer Service Representatives:
For inquiries about your coverage, Certificate, or any new plans you may be considering. 1-800-695-5164, Select Option “0”.
(M–F, 8 a.m. – 10 p.m., or Sat. 9 a.m.– 5 p.m.).

Automated Customer Service:
To request forms, check plan descriptions, or to review Certificate information. 1-800-695-5164, Select Options “1” or “2”.
(24 hours, 7 days a week)

Claims Department:
To report a death, request forms, or ask questions. 1-800-695-5165
(M–F, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.)

AARP Member Services:
For information on other AARP member benefits and services.
1-800-424-3410
(M–F, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.)

TDD: For the hearing impaired.
1-800-420-8141
(M–F, 8 a.m. – 10 p.m., or Sat. 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.)

Hispanic Customer Service:
To request a Spanish-speaking customer service representative.
1-800-695-5164
(M–F, 8 a.m. – 10 p.m., or Sat. 9 a.m.– 5 p.m.)

Program Web site:
To access Certificate or product information and download forms. www.nylaarp.com

Eating out can be fun, but it can be unhealthy too. Huge portions, rich sauces, and high-fat cooking methods used in many restaurants probably aren’t on your list of healthy, nutritious foods. But sometimes you just want to let someone else do the cooking. Don’t worry, it’s easier than you think to eat out and still eat sensibly. Plan ahead when you go out. Choose a restaurant that offers a diverse menu and smaller portions. Here are some other tips for eating out:

• If you know you’re going to splurge, eat more lightly at your other meals that day or the next. Fit some exercise into your day, too.
  
  
• Ask for salad dressing, sauces, and gravy on the side so you can choose the portions. Then dip fork tines in the sauce instead of pouring it over the food.
  
  
• Choose foods that are broiled, baked, grilled, roasted, steamed, poached, lightly sautéed or stir fried, or prepared with no more than a tablespoon of olive oil.
  
  
• Eat sparingly on a special occasion, or split with a friend any dishes that are fried, breaded, scalloped, au gratin, or Alfredo.
  
  
• Try to eat the same portions you would at home. If the restaurant meal is larger, put the extra food in a box before you start eating, share it with your dinner partner, or ask for a half order. When eating fast food, steer clear of “jumbo,” “giant,” “deluxe,” and “double.” Instead, have a regular or junior-size sandwich.
  
  
• You don't have to order an entree. Appetizers often come in low-calorie options. Add a salad or soup, and you've got a meal.
  
  
• If you really want dessert, ask for a fork for everyone at the table
  and share.

Additional Information is available at www.aarp.org/health.

New York Life is pleased to announce its jump of 18 spots on the Fortune 500 list.

The 2002 Fortune 500 list ranks New York Life as the 69th largest company in America, with more than $25 billion in revenue and $109 billion in assets. This places New York Life ahead of other prominent companies such as Microsoft (#72), American Express (#89), and Coca Cola (#99).

As your life insurance company, our financial strength is extremely important to you. A life insurance policy is only as valuable as the security of the company behind it. According to the 2002 Fortune Global 500, New York Life now ranks fifth among all mutual life/health insurance companies in the world. And, as one of the country’s largest and oldest life insurers, New York Life has been The Company You Keep® for more than 150 years.

Given the continued success we have experienced through our nation’s good times and bad, it’s little wonder that New York Life has consistently received among the highest ratings for financial strength from the leading independent rating services: A.M. Best, Fitch, Standard & Poor’s, and Moody’s Investors Service. That’s why more than 700,000 AARP members have chosen New York Life to help protect the financial futures of their families.

The pressure is building. Your palms are sweaty, your heart and mind are racing, and your shoulders are tight. Relax. Stress relief is just a few steps away. When you need to “de-stress” quickly, try one or more of these relaxation techniques:

• Take Deep Breaths
  Breathe in through your nose to the count of four, hold your breath for four counts, and blow out slowly through your mouth. Repeat several times.
  
  
• Count to Ten
  If you feel like you’re going to over-react, count to ten slowly to give yourself time to think about the best way to handle the situation.
  
  
• Talk to Yourself
  As you slowly breathe in, say to yourself, “I am.” As you breathe out, say slowly to yourself “calm.” Repeat this until your mind is calm and you can focus on your breathing.
  
  
• Stop Stressful Thoughts
  If a negative thought is nagging you, isolate the stressful thought in your mind. Close your eyes and focus on it briefly. Count to three. Shout, “Stop!” or imagine the word “stop” in bold letters crashing down on the thought. If the thought persists, repeat the process. If work problems dominate your thoughts at home, substitute the “stop” sign with an “off duty” sign in this exercise.
  
  
• Write it Out
  If you're overwhelmed with worries, sit down with a pen and paper and spend 20 minutes writing down your concerns and ways to solve the problems.
  
  
• Take a break
  Get a change of scenery. A walk outdoors, or even just some fresh air, can give you a new perspective.

Reducing stress has health benefits. Stress adds to the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, headaches, and arthritis. It can also cause you to have trouble sleeping and weaken your immune system. By following these simple steps, you can begin to relieve your stress and live a healthier life.

Q – What are the similarities and differences between term and permanent life insurance plans?

A – Both term and permanent life insurance plans provide funds to help pay bills left behind, should something happen to you, or to allow you to leave something for a special family member or charity.

Most term policies feature lower initial premiums that increase at set intervals. Permanent life insurance features premium rates that are designed to remain level throughout the life of the policy. Over time, permanent life insurance plans accumulate cash values that can be borrowed against or paid to you if you end your coverage.

Q – Is there a difference in the amount of insurance available with term and permanent life insurance?

Q – Is there a difference in the ages covered by term and permanent life insurance?

A – AARP members are eligible for both term and permanent insurance, beginning at age 50 (spouses are eligible beginning at age 45). With the AARP Life Insurance Program, most of our term life insurance provides coverage until age 80 and our permanent life insurance provides coverage until age 100. (With permanent life, you will receive a check for the final benefit amount if you are still living at age 100.)

Q – How do I know which coverage is right for me?

A – Everyone’s personal circumstance is different. Term coverage is often purchased to supplement an existing policy, or to provide coverage for a set period of time (until a loan is paid off, or a child’s education is completed). Most permanent life plans are purchased by individuals who desire coverage for a longer period of time. This type of insurance can help you build a nest egg or pay off final expenses.

New York Life recognizes that the needs of our Certificate holders may change over time. Most of our plans provide an exchange feature, which allows a term customer to exchange their term insurance for permanent life insurance, should the need arise. And many Permanent Life Certificate holders can apply to add term insurance coverage to their permanent coverage.

If you have additional questions about any of our term or permanent life plans, or would like information specific to your plan, just call our customer service representatives at the toll-free number below:

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