If you are between the ages of 16 and 100 you can learn how to get low-cost or

FREE PRESCRIPTION DRUGS

Posted 3/12/03 by Claude M. Gruener:
Here is information for your consideration about a new website created to help those in need obtain some 1,400 medications FREE through patient assistance programs. You certainly may create a link to it on your fine website. Just let me know.
Essentially, the release pasted below says that helpingpatients.org has been created to make it easier to obtain medications for those who might not be able to afford them otherwise.

To access patient assistance information, individuals simply go online, fill out a form and are directed to programs for which they may qualify.

If you have questions or would like to talk with someone at PhRMA, please let me know at (512) 479-5080 or email me.

Claude M. Gruener
AUSTIN INK
1607 Mohle Drive
Austin, TX 78703
(512) 479-5080
(512) 415-7819 (cell)
ausink@texas.net


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - March 12, 2003
Contact: Mark Grayson (202.835.3465); Claude Gruener (512.479.5080)

PHARMACEUTICAL INDUSTRY LAUNCHES HELPINGPATIENTS.ORG

New Database Will Help Needy Patients Get Free Medicines

Washington, DC - A new online database will help patients without prescription drug coverage access user friendly information about more than 1,400 medicines offered free through patient assistance programs sponsored by the pharmaceutical industry and others, the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) announced today. People who need help in obtaining medicines can log on to http://www.helpingpatients.org, fill out an online form and receive a list of programs for which they may qualify.

"The pharmaceutical industry has a long practice of providing prescription medicines free of charge to patients who might not be able to afford them. In 2002 alone, our companies have helped more than five million patients get the medicines they need," said PhRMA President Alan F. Holmer. "We are also committed to a long-term solution to ensure seniors and the disabled have access to the medicines they need. That’s why we strongly support meaningful prescription drug coverage under Medicare."

"Medicare beneficiaries without drug coverage fill fewer prescriptions which not only hurt patients but ends up costing the health care system more in the long run," stated Holmer.

"Seniors need and deserve high-quality prescription drug coverage," said Holmer. "To fill the need until Congress enacts this coverage—and to take care of the millions of younger people who lack prescription drug insurance—the pharmaceutical industry is putting out the welcome mat for its long-standing patient assistance programs. Helpingpatients.org streamlines the process of finding out about and applying for this assistance. We believe the new website will enable more patients to take advantage of these programs."

The Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) represents the country’s leading research-based pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, which are devoted to inventing medicines that allow patients to live longer, healthier, and more productive lives. The industry invested an estimated $32 billion in 2002 in discovering and developing new medicines. PhRMA companies are leading the way in the search for new cures.

PhRMA Internet Address: http://www.phrma.org/