Free Medicine Foundation Helps Patients Obtain Free or Low Cost Prescription Drugs

Those without prescription coverage, a low income or maxed-out prescription benefits are encouraged to apply.

Doniphan, MO (PRWEB) February 2, 2005 -- The patient-advocacy organization Free Medicine Foundation connects patients to free or low-cost prescription programs available to eliminate or substantially reduce their prescription drug bills. Last year, over 7.6 million Americans of all ages utilized what the Wall Street Journal calls the best-kept secret in the drug business by taking advantage of patient assistance programs." These programs help those who otherwise cannot afford prescription drugs receive their brand-name medications absolutely free. For a $5 fee per prescription, Free Medicine Foundation wades through the complicated paperwork and coordinates drug distribution to eligible applicants.

As a part of their pledge that "no patient in need of medicines will do without them," over 160 leading drug companies including Pfizer, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Eli Lilly, Wyeth-Ayerst, Searle and Merck now offer their medications at no cost to patients. Pfizer currently donates more medicines to patients than any other pharmaceutical company. In 2001, Pfizer helped approximately 1.4 million patients by providing 2.3 million prescriptions valued at nearly $345 million. Brand-name drugs such as Lipitor©, Celebrex©, Norvasc©, Neurontin©, Zocor©, Viagra© and hundreds more are covered under these assistance programs.

To be approved for free medicine enrollment, the primary requirements are:

* Applicant must not be covered by private prescription insurance or have maxed out their annual prescription benefits.

* Applicant must not qualify for a government or third party program that provides for prescription medication e.g. Medicaid

* Applicant's income is at a level that causes a hardship when the patient is required to purchase the medication at retail. Individuals with family incomes ranging from below the national poverty level up to $38,000 and even as high as $60,000 annually can qualify.

The various program sponsors make the decisions on a case-by-case basis concerning which medications are provided and which individuals are accepted into the programs. Once a patient is approved, brand-name free medicines arrive in two to three weeks, dispensed either directly to the patient, or a coupon is given to take to a local pharmacy or through the doctors office. These programs can provide a lifetime supply of free medication.

About Free Medicine Foundation

Established by volunteers, Free Medicine Foundation has helped countless families across the nation completely eliminate or substantially reduce their prescription drug bills. These volunteers are dedicated to alleviating the plight of an ever-increasing number of patients who cannot afford their prescription medication. Caregivers, churches and social organizations are encouraged to utilize Free Medicine Foundations services. Volunteers are needed to help spread the word to those who cannot afford the high costs of prescription medication. To request brochures or apply for free prescription medication, please visit www.FreeMedicineFoundation.com.

Media Contact:

Cindy Randolph

1-888-812-5152

Randolph@FreeMedicineFoundation.com

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