70,000 Physicians Provided Tools

70,000 Physicians Provided Tools to Connect Patients in Need with Free or Nearly Free Prescription Medicines

New Campaign Targets Doctors Serving Low-Income Communities

Washington, D.C. – The Partnership for Prescription Assistance (PPA), a national program helping patients in need access prescription medicines, launched an innovative campaign empowering thousands of physicians in low-income areas to improve the lives of uninsured patients. The campaign, conducted in partnership with the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), will educate more than 70,000 family physicians and provide them with tools that can enable patients to access free or nearly free prescription medicines.

"I know from my own practice that most patients either don't know about prescription assistance programs or don't realize they qualify," said Dr. Mary E. Frank, President of the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP). "That's why this effort to reach and educate family physicians is critical — so that their patients can have access to programs that get them the medications they need based on income and not on where they live or whether they speak English. The ultimate goal is the right medication for the right patient at the right time and, thus, an improved health outcome."

The centerpiece of the campaign is a mailing to 70,000 physicians that includes brochures, background information, frequently asked questions, notepads and a display to be placed in physicians' waiting rooms. These tools are designed to raise awareness and spur action among both physicians and patients in need.

"In less than four months, the PPA has matched nearly 800,000 patients with assistance programs that may meet their needs. But much more work remains," said Billy Tauzin, president and CEO of the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA). "Doctors are on the front lines treating patients and are an essential resource in providing information to those who might otherwise be unaware that help is readily available. This new effort demonstrates our commitment to locate, educate and mobilize as many patients as possible."

The Partnership for Prescription Assistance provides a single point of access to more than 475 patient assistance programs through a toll-free number (1-888-4PPA-NOW) and user-friendly Web site (www.pparx.org). Patients will also receive information on government programs for which they may qualify, such as Medicare and the new drug benefit, Medicaid and the State Children's Health Insurance Programs.

More than 60 national organizations, including the American Academy of Family Physicians, Easter Seals, National Alliance for Hispanic Health, United Way of America, as well as a fast-growing list of state and local organizations, are working with America's pharmaceutical companies to spread the word about the program.

To find out if they may qualify, patients should call toll-free 1-888-4PPA-NOW (1-888-477-2669) to speak with a trained specialist or visit www.pparx.org.