Program Helps Consumers Obtain Free Prescription Drugs

June 1999-As you get older, you may need more prescription 
medications to keep you healthy, treat illness, or manage the 
symptoms of a chronic disease. However these prescription 
medications can often be expensive-making it difficult for the 
people who need these medications to get them. Where can 
you turn for help?

A new nonprofit volunteer organization helps consumers 
obtain their prescriptions drugs at no cost. The Medicine 
Program puts consumers in touch with drug manufacturers who 
are willing to supply free medications. Most drug manufacturers 
already offer free medications to those in need and have 
programs with their own applications and requirements. However, 
most consumers are not aware that such help is available.

The Medicine Program assists consumers who don't have 
prescription-drug coverage or those who have exhausted this 
coverage and cannot afford to purchase their medications, 
regardless of their age. Applicants who qualify for the program 
usually have incomes that are too high for Medicaid but not 
enough to buy health care with drug benefits.

To get an application form, call 573-778-1118 or visit 
http://www.themedicineprogram.com. 
Mail the form, along with a $5.00 processing fee for each 
prescription, to 
The Medicine Program 
P.O. Box 515 
Doniphan, MO 63935-0515 
Once your form is received, you will be sent an application packet to 
be reviewed and completed by you and your doctor. If you qualify, 
the program will send a free three-month supply of your medication 
to your doctor. If you do not, you may write to The Medicine Program 
within 120 days and your $5.00 fee will be refunded.

For more information on prescription drugs, CIC features the 
publications "Making Your Medications Work Better," 
"Medications and Older Adults" and 
"Questions to Ask Your Pharmacist" in its summer catalog.