Much-Needed Help Covering Prescription Costs (NAPSA)—There’s help avail- able for the millions of Americans who have lost both their job and health insurance because of the downturn in the economy. To help, the Partnership for Prescription Assistance (PPA) will redouble its efforts to connect people with patient assistance programs that can provide free or nearly free medicines to qualified patients. Sponsored by America’s pharmaceutical research and biotechnology companies, the PPA is comprised of more than 1,200 national, state and local partners working together with pharmaceutical research companies to spread the word that help with prescription drug costs is available. So far, PPA has helped more than 5.4 mil- lion uninsured and financially struggling patients connect with more than 475 patient assistance programs that provide access to free or nearly free medicines. Par- ticipating programs provide qualified patients with access to nearly 2,500 brand-name and generic prescription medicines. Helping uninsured and finan- cially struggling patients gain access to the medicines they need is particularly important because of the growing national impact of avoidable and treatable chronic diseases. Left untreated, chronic condi- tions such as diabetes and heart disease can worsen, causing patients untold additional suffering as well as escalating health care costs. Uninsured patients who have difficulty obtaining their prescription medications also often find it hard to access affordable health care. To help, the PPA also assists Many patients are surprised at how quick and easyit is to get connectedwith free or nearly free medicines. patients get needed medical attention by providing them with information on nearly 10,000 free health care clinics nationwide. PPA has already helped nearly 250,000 patients find free health care clinics in their community. According to PPA’s national spokesman, nationally recognized television personality and author Montel Williams: “The PPA is really working. It has helped mil- lions of patients in all 50 states find the help they need.” Uninsured and financially struggling patients can reach the PPA by calling 1-888-4PPA-NOW (1-888-477-2669). Trained specialists are available to help patients find the prescription assistance programsbest suited to their medicine needs. Patients may also access the PPA through its easyto-use Web site (www.pparx.org). For more information, visit www.PHRMA.org. For informa- tion on chronic diseases, visit www.fightchronicdisease.org.
