Uninsured Americans save prescription costs with drug discount cards

• 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.