Summary
Prescriptions just became more affordable with the release of discount cards capable of saving 20 - 40 percent on over 200 brands of prescription medication for the uninsured. It is estimated that 45 million Americans are uninsured with no prescription drug coverage. The cards are the product of eleven drug manufacturers and are free to those who meet income and age requirements.
Original source:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A2269-2005Jan11.html
Details
Eleven major drug manufacturers unveiled a new discount card yesterday that could help millions of uninsured Americans save money on prescription drugs.
The Together Rx Access Card program allows those who meet income and age requirements to save 25 to 40 percent -- and sometimes more -- on more than 275 brand-name prescription drugs and a host of generic drugs.
It's the latest in a trend by drugmakers to offer their own discount cards for those without health care coverage who struggle to pay skyrocketing drug prices.
"It's free to get, it's free to use and the savings are real," said Roba Whiteley, executive director of Together Rx Access.
"The companies in Together Rx Access have stepped forward because they all feel it's the right thing to do and they are able to do it."
Whiteley said the benefits could cover 80 percent of the 45 million Americans who are uninsured and don't carry prescription drug coverage.
Consumer groups have called similar discount cards a way for drug companies, rather than the government, to control who saves money and how much is saved.
"It's a positive step, but at the same time, it strongly underscores the need for governmental action to expand coverage for the uninsured," said Ron Pollack, executive director of consumer group FamiliesUSA.
Those who qualify for the new program can enroll by visiting the Web site, www.TogetherRxAccess.com, or by calling 800-444-4106.
Enrollment forms will be available at participating pharmacies and doctors' offices.
Companies participating in the program are Abbott Laboratories Inc.; AstraZeneca PLC; Bristol-Myers Squibb Co.; GlaxoSmithKline PLC; Janssen Pharmaceutica Products LP and Ortho-McNeil Pharmaceutical Inc., part of the Johnson & Johnson family of companies; Novartis AG; Pfizer Inc.; Sanofi Aventis Group SA; Takeda Pharmaceuticals North America Inc.; and TAP Pharmaceutical Products Inc.
About the author: Mike Adams is a natural health author and award-winning journalist with a passion for sharing empowering information to help improve personal and planetary health He has authored more than 1,800 articles and dozens of reports, guides and interviews on natural health topics, and he has authored and published several downloadable personal preparedness courses including a downloadable course focused on safety and self defense. Adams is an independent journalist with strong ethics who does not get paid to write articles about any product or company. In mid 2010, Adams produced TV.NaturalNews.com, a natural health video sharing website offering user-generated videos on nutrition, green living, fitness and more. He also founded an environmentally-friendly online retailer called BetterLifeGoods.com that uses retail profits to help support consumer advocacy programs. He's also the founder of a well known HTML email software company whose 'Email Marketing Director' software currently runs the NaturalNews subscription database. Adams also serves as the executive director of the Consumer Wellness Center, a non-profit consumer protection group, and regularly pursues cycling, nature photography, Capoeira and Pilates. He's also author of numerous health books published by Truth Publishing and is the creator of several consumer-oriented grassroots campaigns, including the Spam. Don't Buy It! campaign, and the free downloadable Honest Food Guide. He also created the free reference sites HerbReference.com and HealingFoodReference.com. Adams believes in free speech, free access to nutritional supplements and the ending of corporate control over medicines, genes and seeds. Known as the 'Health Ranger,' Adams' personal health statistics and mission statements are located at www.HealthRanger.org
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Wednesday, February 02, 2005
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