Programs
make Prescription Drugs Available Free
Washington
Times, Washington D.C.
March 27,
2003
It has often said that
the best things in life are free and that expression can even
be applied to something that's usually associated with a high
price tag: prescription drugs.
As cost of prescription
medications continues to increase, often making them unaffordable
for people without insurance, the drug manufacturers themselves
are helping get their products to the people who need them
practically free of charge.
Many drug manufacturers
sponsor what's called "patient assistance programs". These
programs are intended to help those who otherwise can't afford
prescription drugs-including people who are unemployed or
lack health insurance, and seniors who don't have prescription
drug coverage under Medicare- obtain the medications they
need. In 2001 alone, patient assistance programs helped 3.1
million Americans fill more than 10 million prescriptions
- with estimated value of $1.5 Billion.
Most people, however,
including qualified doctors, nurses, social workers and other
health professionals - are not even aware that these programs
exist. Fortunately there is now a volunteer organization dedicated
to pointing people in the right direction.
The Free
Medicine Program cuts though the red tape of application
process by helping people enroll in patient assistance programs.
It also helps simplify the rules, guidelines and procedures,
and helps expedite the submission process. Once patients are
approved, the free medication is generally sent just two to
three weeks.
Because of the organization's
groundbreaking work in this area, physicians nationwide are
currently distributing Free
Medicine Program brochures to their patients. Even Social
Security offices have brochures available to their constitutes.
For more information
or to apply, call (646) 205-8000 or visit www.freemedicineprogram.com
.
Affordable RX ® - "Your
Prescription for Savings" ™
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