Save Money On Medicine (NAPSA)—Here’s some good news on health care. A nationwide partnership, made up of more than 475 public and private patient assistance programs, is helping qualified patients get their medicines for free. So far the partnership has helped 6 million uninsured and financially strapped Americans who were struggling to pay for their medicines in the midst of the economic downturn. Nearly 200 of the programs are provided by pharmaceutical companies. Former child actor Jerry Mathers knowsfirsthand how important it is for patients to have access to medicines. Mathers, who has diabetes, said, “The most important thing anyone suffering from a chronic disease can do for their family and themselves is to stay healthy, and that means having access to the medicines you need. “Millions of Americans have lost their jobs over the last couple of months and there could be a sharp increase in the number of Americanslosing health care benefits. As someone who has suffered from diabetes for years, I think it is important for patients to know all the resources available to them so they can manage Some people who need medication maybeable to getit free. their conditions and stay healthy.” Through the Partnership for Prescription Assistance (PPA), sponsored by America’s pharmaceutical research and biotechnology companies, patient assistance programs provide as many as 2,500 brand-name and generic medicines. In addition, the PPA provides information on more than 10,000 free health care clinics across America and has connected more than 287,000 patients with health care providers. Uninsured and financially struggling patients can find out if they qualify for help by calling, toll-free, (888) 4-PPA-NOW and talking with a trained operator or they can visit www.PPARx.org.
