Healthy Skepticism Library item: 7945

Warning: This library includes all items relevant to health product marketing that we are aware of regardless of quality. Often we do not agree with all or part of the contents.

Publication type: Journal Article

Chisholm MA, Reinhardt BO, Vollenweider LJ, Kendrick BD, DiPiro JT.
Medication assistance programs for uninsured and indigent patients.
Am J Health Syst Pharm 2000 Jun 15; 57:(12):1131-6
http://www.ajhp.org/cgi/reprint/57/12/1131

Abstract:

Pharmaceutical manufacturer-sponsored medication assistance programs and the pharmacist’s role in obtaining medications for indigent patients are discussed; information about enrolling in medication assistance programs can be obtained through a variety of sources, including the Internet. It was noted that although some eligibility criteria may be common to many programs, each company operates independently, and the eligibility criteria vary. Individuals involved in the administration of medication assistance programs should strive to ensure that correct information is reported. Pharmacists can play an important role in acquiring medications for patients by reviewing patient information, recommending patients for enrollment, and serving as a liaison between the patient or health care provider and the program administrator.

Keywords:
Drug Industry/economics Humans Medical Assistance/economics* Medical Indigency* Medically Uninsured* Pharmaceutical Services* Prescriptions, Drug