Big Pharma Can Help

With the ever increasing unemployment rate, the economy in flux, foreclosures, medical expenses out of control, food prices rising and now, as we head into fall and cold weather, rising oil prices for heat added to our burgeoning expenses – one has to wonder how do you decide between paying rent/mortgage, buying food for your family, or providing them with health care?

When I unwillingly joined the ranks of the unemployed earlier this year my focus was the loss of medical benefits that coincided with the loss of paycheck. How would I get my much needed medicines, which, without benefit of medical insurance, was costing almost $500/month - where would the money come from?

After researching online I found that many of the big pharmaceutical companies had programs to help people like me. With patent issues frequently precluding generic equivalents, and subsequent lower costs, the manufacturers are often willing to work with people in this turbulent environment to help them achieve a better quality of life. Through my research, I have found that depending on your income and employment situation you can get your medicines directly from the manufacturer. For example, GlaxoSmithKline has the "Bridges to Access" program and Merck has the "RxCrossroads Pharmacy.”

You can go online and find the manufacturers who provide your prescriptions and follow the directions to either receive these medicines free of cost or at a much lower cost via their co-pay program. You will need to fill out their eligibility forms, get a prescription from your doctor for a 90 day supply with three refills and then you are qualified for a year if you meet their requirements. At the end of the year you will need to resubmit your application to re-qualify for an additional year. Have a healthy fall and winter!