RX-for-Ohio: A Prescription For Help (NAPSA)—Docetors have never had so many tools to heal at their disposal—and new programs are making it easier to get these prescription drugs to Ohioans, especially the elderly or working poor without prescription drug coverage. A numberof patient-assistance programs have been offering free or discounted drugs for years. With a new Web site andtoll-free number—sponsored by a number of hospitals and patient, physician, and health care organizations and pharmaceutical companies. Ohio residents have access to information about more than 1,400 brand-nameprescription drugs available free or at a discount through 325 programs offered by drug manufacturers and the government. The easy-to-use site links patients with programs for specific drugs. If you type in four pieces of information—age, income, family size and drug name—thesite will identify patient assistance programsfor that drug, including their eligibility requirements and application information. The site also supplies links to many patient and health care organizations, as well as to discount drug cards. Drug manufacturers alone provided 135,000 Ohioans free drugs in 2001, even before assistance programs were widely publicized. New drug discount cards, such as Gov. Taft’s proposed Golden Buckeye Card, represent just one example of new opportunities unfolding in Ohio for people who need help buying their medicines. Ohio residents now have a Web site that gives them access to prescription drug programs. People who don’t own a computer or have access to one through a library or senior center can call the toll-free number (1-877-RX-4-OHIO), where someone will do the search and supply patient assistance program information. In its first few weeks, Rxfor Ohio.org handled more than 50,000 visits to the Web site and calls to the hotline. Health care groups including the Ohio Academy of Family Physicians, Ohio State Medical Society, Epilepsy Foundation and the Ohio Psychological Association help support this opportunity for people to find affordable drugs and valuable information. All senior, low-income and under-insured Ohioans who are having trouble paying for their prescription drugs are encouraged to visit www.RxforOhio.org or call 1-877-RX-4-OHI0.
