Lifeline For Meds Provides Access To Free Meds From U S Drug Makers For Uninsured US Residents
Released on: February 13, 2008, 7:23 pm
Press Release Author: Lifeline For Meds
Industry: Healthcare
Press Release Summary: Lifeline For Meds helps uninsured U.S. residents obtain free or low-cost medicines from the Patient Assistance Programs of U.S. pharmaceutical companies.
Press Release Body: Lifeline For Meds, a prescription assistance advocacy organization based in Edina, Minnesota, has launched a nationwide program to help uninsured, underinsured and under-served populations receive their prescription medications for free or low-cost from U.S. pharmaceutical drug manufacturers. They facilitate enrollment into programs that offer free or very low-cost medications, whether they are government-sponsored, corporate-sponsored or, most often, free drugs offered through the Patient Assistance Programs of U.S. drug companies.
Most U.S. drug makers offer their name-brand medications for free or very low cost to those who do not have prescription drug insurance and cannot easily afford their medicines. Patients who are successfully enrolled in these programs receive their drugs in 90-day doses, shipped directly from the drug makers' Patient Assistance Programs (PAPs) to the customer's doctor's office or clinic for pickup. Over 1,600 medications are available from hundreds of U.S. drug makers, and it is estimated that the retail value of drugs distributed for free in 2006 was more than six billion dollars
Eligibility is open to residents (citizenship is usually not required) of the U.S. and its territories, provided that they do not have prescription drug insurance and find it difficult to pay for their prescription medicine. These free or low-cost med programs are not insurance plans, therefore people cannot be disqualified based on their age, health condition or employment status.
Lifeline For Meds simplifies the application process by taking just one application per patient, no matter how many prescriptions are needed. They then prepare individual enrollment packages for the manufacturer of each drug needed, working as a liaison between the patient, prescribing doctor or clinic, and the drug makers to obtain patient approval for free or low-cost prescriptions. Additionally, they manage and coordinate all follow-up paperwork to keep free medications and refills flowing to their customers without interruption.
Lifeline For Meds uses third-party services and paid staff to manage their prescription assistance program. They confirm availability of a customer's medications before taking their application. There is a one-time enrollment fee per extended family, and a small monthly fee for each medication when the patient receives their shipment. Applications are taken by phone Monday through Saturday at noon, CST.
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