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An Alternative: Making Drugs Affordable

By ALM Staff | Law Journal Newsletters |

The Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America reported on Feb. 22 that a record number of patients received free or discounted medications from America's pharmaceutical companies last year as part of an industry initiative to help low-income consumers access the medications they need. “PhRMA member companies know a medication that sits on a shelf, out of financial reach of patients, helps no one,” said Billy Tauzin, president and chief executive officer of PhRMA. Under these programs, consumers received more than 22 million prescriptions with a wholesale value of $4.17 billion in 2004, up from 18 million prescriptions with a value of $3.4 billion in 2003.

The record number of free or discounted medications consumers received last year is due in part to state programs that screen patients for eligibility for the prescription discount programs. The first of these, Rx for Ohio, was launched in 2003. Of those who applied, 609,511 initially qualified. In 2004, similar programs were launched in five other states and in the District of Columbia. “The success of these programs is rooted in the local support of community health groups, physicians and many others. Working together, these partnerships reach out to individuals, conduct training sessions on enrollment and help spread the word that help exists for people who need it,” says Tauzin.

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