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With millions of Americans today lacking health insurance, a growing nationwide program sponsored by America's pharmaceutical research companies is helping financially struggling patients obtain access to the prescription medicines they need. By calling a toll-free number or logging on to a user-friendly Web site, patients can contact the Partnership for Prescription Assistance (PPA), a single point of access to more than 475 public and private patient assistance programs providing help with more than 2,500 brand name and generic medicines for free or nearly free.
Already, the PPA has helped more than 2.7 million uninsured and underinsured patients, but millions more could potentially benefit. For example, the PPA is now helping to connect patients without a regular doctor with free health clinics in their community. This assures that patients are prescribed the proper treatment for their health needs and helps them complete patient assistance program applications.
In its first year, the PPA helped more than 2 million uninsured and underinsured patients, but millions more can benefit. For example, the PPA's newest feature connects patients with free health clinics in their community.
"The PPA is an enormous success," said Billy Tauzin, president and CEO of the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America. "However, we realize that millions more need assistance. That is why we are doing everything we can to improve the PPA so we can continue to identify and assist patients in need."
In order to reach as many people as possible, PPA has taken its message on the road with the Help Is Here Express. The bus is equipped with 10 computer terminals and phones to help patients learn about patient assistance programs on-site.
"The Help Is Here Express vehicle gives PPA the mobility to reach and inform patients in communities of color about programs to help pay for lifesaving medicines-enabling compliance and potentially offsetting the prevalence of disease disparities," said Gary A. Puckrein, Ph.D., executive director of the National Minority Health Month Foundation.
More than 1,300 national and local organizations, including the American Academy of Family Physicians, the National Urban League, United Way of America, Easter Seals and the National Alliance for Hispanic Health, have partnered with America's pharmaceutical companies to make the PPA a success.
For additional information on patient assistance programs that may meet their needs, patients should call 1-888-4PPA-NOW (1-888-477-2669) toll-free to speak with a trained specialist, or visit www.pparx.org.
Thanks to a national program created by America's pharmaceutical research companies, uninsured and underinsured patients are better able to afford the medications they need. |
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