Drug Companies Offer Help for Those Without Prescription Drug Coverage

In the on-going debates about the high costs of medical insurance and of healthcare in general in this country, large scale drug manufactures, the so-called "Big Pharma" have been much maligned. However, almost all of the big drug manufactures are offering some kind of program to help seniors and others without access to affordable medical insurance, or without prescription drug coverage, pay for their medications.

Merck was one of the first to do so. Their Patient Assistance program was designed to help those without prescription drug coverage keep their medications affordable. It has served as the model for other pharmaceutical programs. Under the program eligible individuals who do not have health insurance or have inadequate health insurance, and meet certain financial requirements can get their prescription drugs from Merck free of charge. Under certain circumstances, even those who do not meet the financial requirements can still receive free or discounted medications, if their doctors provide verification of special conditions or financial hardships.

Merck along with other pharmaceutical companies has also started a discount drug program for prescription medications that offers people without medical insurance up to 20% in savings over the normal cost of medications, regardless of age or income. The program is free of charge and anyone can enroll on the companies’ website. The patients then receive discount membership cards they present to their pharmacist every time they have a prescription filled to realize the savings. For immediate savings pharmaceutical customers can also print out savings certificates off of the website and get an immediate discount of 10% off of any Merck prescription medication.

The programs are being strongly embraced by both consumers and healthcare providers. Of the two Merck programs specifically Jean Bonhomme, MD, MPH of the Men's Health Network had this to say, "We are pleased that Merck is taking proactive steps to address the serious issue of helping individuals in need afford their prescription drugs. Merck's program will help tackle many of the health ailments that impact millions of men across America. As an organization which believes that men's health affects women, children, and the whole of society, we applaud Merck for covering drugs under this innovative program." Jon Corzine, former United States Senator and current Governor of New Jersey, home to many well known drug manufactures added "Efforts like these show that the Pharmaceutical Industry is not only committed to researching and developing life-saving medicines, but also to ensuring that those in need of these treatments have access to them. I applaud Merck's creation of its Prescription Drug Assistance Program for the uninsured."