ASSISTED DRUG PROGRAMS NOT SPECIFICALLY RELATED TO INDIVIDUAL DRUG COMPANIES.

(Note: there may be some duplications on the following pages as several drug companies may contribute to some of these programs.)

These programs usually require that you have no insurance to cover the drugs that are offered for free or at reduced prices. Some, however, are in addition to the new Medicare Drug Coverage. Most programs are operated on the basis of your income and all require a doctor's authorization. The drugs may be sent to you at home or to your prescribing doctor.

Providing this information for you in no way guarantees your acceptance into any of the programs.

For more information on Patient Assistance Drug Programs please visit the following websites:

Partnership for Prescription Assistance
https://www.pparx.org/Intro.php

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RxAssist
Directory of Patient Assistance Programs
www.rxassist.org

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Medicare Prescription Drug Assistance Programs
http://www.medicare.gov/

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RxHope
www.rxhope.com

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Rx Outreach
http://www.rxoutreach.com/en/dpa1.aspx

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Free Medicine Foundation
http://www.freemedicinefoundation.com/

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Free Medicine Program
http://www.freemedicineprogram.com/

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No Cost Meds
http://nocostmeds.com/index.html

The above list of programs is by no means a complete list but rather some of the most popular sites turned up in an internet search engine. Some of the above programs may charge a fee either per medicine, a one time set up fee, or a yearly or monthly fee to handle the paperwork necessary to obtain medicines from the drug companies. Please note that all of the information available to them is available to you free of cost if you are willing to do the research and paperwork. As with everything else, some companies may not provide what they promise. If you feel in any way that you have been the victim of a scam or false advertisement you should contact your local Better Business Bureau. The company below is currently under judgement in the state of Arkansas. I am including this only as an example of what may happen and not specifically what will happen...Many companies are reputable companies that do indeed provide a much needed service to the public. If you are ever in doubt, check it out. And always remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Footnote:

Arkansas Attorney General: Fla. Firm to Refund Prescription Assistance Fees to Seniors

http://www.insurancejournal.com/news/
southcentral/2006/04/17/67362.htm

April 17, 2006

"Arkansas Attorney General Mike Beebe announced that his office reached an agreement with a Florida company that charged Arkansans, primarily seniors, upwards of $200 a year for prescription-drug assistance available elsewhere for free.

Refunds are on the way for 51 Arkansans, and others will be able to file claims to receive their money back as well.

Consumer Savings Direct, doing business as Free Medicine Direct, operated a "Patient Assistance Program" that claimed it would save consumers money on prescription drugs. In reality, the company charged Arkansans to enroll them in existing programs already available for free. In some cases, consumers received no assistance at all, but were still charged.

"This is a company that was taking advantage of vulnerable Arkansans who could least afford the additional cost," Beebe said. "It targeted low-income seniors and others who needed help to afford prescription drugs and charged them for assistance already available at no charge. We will not tolerate such practices in Arkansas."

Under the terms of the agreement, Free Medicine Direct will issue a full refund to any Arkansas customer who files a claim directly to the company or through the Attorney General's Office between now and the end of the year. The 51 Arkansans already receiving refunds will recover an average of $186. The company will also pay the state $5,000, with another $50,000 to be paid if the terms of the agreement are violated.

In its advertisements, Free Medicine Direct implied that consumers could receive assistance from its program that could not be obtained otherwise. However, the company merely promised to aide customers in signing up for existing prescription-assistance programs established by pharmaceutical companies. The same service was available for free or at minimal cost elsewhere, but Free Medicine Direct charged its customers nearly $200 a year for the promise of assistance in accessing the program.

Any Free Medicine Direct customer seeking a refund can contact the Attorney General's Office at (501) 682-2341, or toll-free statewide at 1-800-482-8982.

Free Medicine Direct has ceased offering its Patient Assistance Plan in Arkansas."

Assisted Drug Program
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