Dear Parent or Guardian:
We are pleased to inform you that the Lower Kuskokwim School District will be participating in the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs under the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) for School Year 2024-2025. As part of the program, Atmautluak, Chefornak, Eek, Goodnews Bay, Kasigluk Akiuk, Kasigluk Akula, Kipnuk, Kongiganak, Kwethluk, Kwigillingok, Mekoryuk, Mertarvik, Napakiak, Napaskiak, Nightmute, Nunapitchuk, Oscarville, Quinhagak, Toksook Bay, Tuntutuliak, Tununak, Mikelnguut Elitnaurviat, Gladys Jung, Ayaprun Elitnaurviat, Bethel Regional High School, and the Kuskokwim Learning Academy will follow the community Eligibility Provision (CEP). What does this mean for you and your children attending the school(s) identified above? Great news for you and your students! All enrolled students of the Lower Kuskokwim School District are eligible to receive a healthy breakfast and lunch at school at no charge to your household each school day of the 2024-2025 school year.
No further action is required of you. Your child(ren) will be able to participate in these meal programs without having to pay a fee or submit a meal application. If we can be of any further assistance, please contact us at 907-543-4844. This institution is an equal opportunity provider. Thank you.
Amanda West, LKSD Food Service
Bethel, AK
Maximum Fair Prices Announcement
The ability to afford medicines is about dignity, hope, and fairness. These words from the President have been at the center of our work to implement the Lower Cost Prescription Drug Law, also known as the Inflation Reduction Act. This week marks a historic milestone in improving health benefits for Alaska seniors and families, as the Biden-Harris Administration announced new, lower prices for 10 drugs selected for the first cycle of Medicare drug price negotiations.
As Acting Regional Director at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), I am excited to tell you about this new benefit that will impact Alaska seniors. As I’ve traveled around Alaska, I’ve spoken with Alaska residents who are shocked to learn that – until now – the Medicare program was not allowed to negotiate directly with drug companies to help Medicare beneficiaries save on drug costs. But the Lower Cost Prescription Drug Law changed that, making it possible for beneficiaries can get lower prices on drugs, and strengthening the Medicare program so it will be around for our children and grandchildren.
Last year, we announced the 10 drugs selected for the first cycle of negotiations, which included costly, life-saving medicines like Eliquis, a medicine used to prevent blood clots, and Januvia, a treatment for type 2 diabetes. More than 13,000 Medicare enrollees in Alaska take one of these drugs. Finally, we’re moving the needle to bring those costs down.
Today, on August 15th, HHS announced the new, lower cost of these drugs. These lower prices will go into effect on January 1, 2026 – starting in a new era of savings for people with Medicare and the Medicare program. If these prices had been in effect in 2023, they would have saved Medicare an estimated $6 billion, or 22 percent of what Medicare spent on those drugs – that’s money saved for all taxpayers.
This is just the beginning. Under this new drug law, new drugs will be negotiated each year and help even more seniors and people with disabilities with Medicare save money on drug costs. To read more about the drugs selected for negotiation and the new prices, go to LowerDrugCosts.gov or MedicamentosBajoPrecio.gov.
Access to life-saving prescription drugs should not force senior citizens and their families to make gut-wrenching decisions, like choosing between food or medication. That is why this law is so important and why, this week, we are proud to implement this change to the Medicare program so American seniors can get better prices for the drugs they need.
Priya Helweg, Acting Regional Director and Executive Officer
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
Region 10
