Mobile Tour To Provide Prescription Help To The Uninsured In Charleston, S.C.

Main Category: Pharmacy / Pharmacist
Also Included In: Health Insurance / Medical Insurance
Article Date: 17 Oct 2009 - 2:00 PDT

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The Post and Courier recently reported that the "Help is Here Express" bus tour visited the Piggly Wiggly at 445 Meeting Street in Charleston to help the uninsured and financially struggling learn about programs that provide free or nearly free prescription medications.

The tour is part of the Partnership for Prescription Assistance, a nationwide effort sponsored by pharmaceutical research companies to raise awareness of patient assistance programs. Visitors can also learn about medicines in development to fight chronic illnesses.

The bus, sponsored by the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA), travels around the country helping people get information about programs that offer prescription assistance.

Jeff Gilbert, a spokesman for PhRMA, said there are about 475 patient assistance programs designed to help people get the medicines they need for free or nearly free. Gilbert said about 130,000 South Carolina residents have applied for help through the program since it began in 2005.

Source: Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America