Proclaiming April 5, 2006 Patient Assistance Day
Proclaiming April 5, 2006 Patient Assistance Day
* Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to talk about an issue that affects millions of Americans-affordable medications. Millions of Americans lack health insurance and cannot access these vital innovations. While the government looks for sensible ways to help the 45 million uninsured citizens there are private-sector programs in place that are helping millions of Americans no matter where you live.
* One program I have shared with my constituents is the Partnership for Prescription Assistance (PPA). The PPA is a national clearinghouse that links uninsured and underinsured people to patient assistant programs that offer drugs for free or nearly free. America's pharmaceutical research companies, along with 1,300 community and patient organizations launched the PPA in April 2005 and have since helped more than 1.9 million patients. Given the rising cost of prescription drugs, any attempts made by the private sector to alleviate the burdensome costs should be applauded.
* It is refreshing that this private-sector program has been so successful and committed to helping Americans in need access life-saving medicines. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in proclaiming April 5 ``Patient Assistance Day'' and do their part on this day to inform their constituents about the great service the PPA provides to Americans in need.
* I have also included a statement from the Partnership for Prescription Assistance about ``Patient Assistance Day'' and an article from the Charlotte Observer that discusses the PPA's many successes in North Carolina. [From the Charlotte Observer, Mar. 21, 2006]
PARTNERSHIP FOR PRESCRIPTION ASSISTANCE LAUNCHES NATIONAL ``PATIENT ASSISTANCE DAY'' CELEBRATION ON APRIL 5, 2006
WASHINGTON, D.C.--The Partnership for Prescription Assistance (PPA), a national program sponsored by America's pharmaceutical research companies to help patients in need access prescription medicines will commemorate its one-year anniversary by launching the first annual ``Patient Assistance Day'' on April 5, 2006 and announcing a major enhancement to the program. The celebration will consist of educational activities across the country to raise awareness of and help educate the public about patient assistance programs. The PPA has
helped nearly 2 million patients to date, but millions more can benefit.
``The PPA is an overwhelming success'' said Billy Tauzin, President and CEO of the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America. ``But our job isn't done. We are declaring April 5 `Patient Assistance Day'--a day when all Americans can join with us to help patients in need.''
Through a toll-free number (l-888-4PPA-NOW) and user-friendly Web site (www.pparx.org), the PPA provides a single point of access to more than 475 public and private patient assistance programs that could provide help on more than 2,500 medicines, including a wide range of generic medicines.
``We are calling on all Americans to help us spread the word,'' said Montel Williams. Emmy award-winning TV talk show host and National PPA Spokesman. ``All of us know someone who needs assistance. Help could be as close as a single phone call to our toll free number.''
More than 1,300 national and local organizations, including the American Academy of Family Physicians, the National Urban League, United Way of America, Easter Seals and the National Alliance for Hispanic Health, have partnered with America's pharmaceutical companies to make the PPA a success.
For additional information on patient assistance programs that may meet their needs, patients should call toll-free 1-888-4PP A-NOW (1-888-477-2669) to speak with a trained specialist or visit www.pparx.org.
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NEW PROGRAM WILL HELP UNINSURED GET CHEAPER PRESCRIPTIONS
(By Valerie Bauman)
Aug. 2, 2005.--North Carolina residents who must struggle with the decision of whether to pay their rent, feed their families or buy much-needed medications now have a new option.
A partnership of doctors, pharmaceutical companies, patient advocates and other health-care providers launched a program Tuesday designed to help the uninsured and underinsured obtain medicine at a lower cost.
Members of the group assess patients' eligibility for public and private prescription assistance and gives them options from among more than 475 programs around the country. Sorting through the information can be daunting and time-consuming for many sick or disabled people.
The North Carolina chapter of the Partnership for Prescription Assistance will help doctors and patients access the programs and figure out which will provide the most financial relief.
``It's wonderful. It's like a single place to go to,'' said Linda Woodall, an advocate for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society of North Carolina. ``Before you would have to apply to the different drug companies (for financial assistance), and for people with MS especially, it's important that you stay on the medicine.''
People seeking help can either call a toll-free number or go to a Web site for assistance. After patients answer a few questions a list of programs will be provided to them with a minimum of effort or paperwork.
http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/D?r109:2:./temp/~r109SIdA7g::