Pfizer -Free Meds for recently Unemployed

**Gardengal18** · 05-16-2009, 12:52 PM

The world’s largest drug manufacturer, Pfizer Inc., says that it will provide approximately 70 of its most widely prescribed medications, including Viagra and Lipitor, for free to the people who have lost their jobs and their health insurance. They announced on Thursday that they would give away the medicines for up to a year to Americans who lost their jobs since January 1, 2009 and have been on the Pfizer drug for at least three months or more.

This announcement comes amid the massive lost of jobs that was caused by the recession and a campaign in Washington to be the leader in health care costs and extend coverage. This move could earn Pfizer some goodwill in the debate after being the target for critics of prices in the drug industry and sales practices for quite some time. The new program will also most likely keep patients loyal to Pfizer brands.

Dr. Jorge Puente, Pfizer’s head of pharmaceuticals outside of the United States and Europe and a champion of the project, said, “Everybody knows now a neighbor, a relative who has lost their job and is losing their insurance. People are definitely hurting out there. Our aim is to help people bridge this point.”

The idea for the new medication program came about five weeks ago, at a leadership-training meeting, as the workers discussed how many patients are struggling now. Puente stated that he urged top management to approve this program, presenting a recent article about how people that have diabetes and are newly uninsured are suffering from serious health complications because they cannot afford the medications and testing supplies. The approval for the program then became quickly. He also said, “It was my idea. I floated it, and the reception it got was so dramatic that it very quickly became our idea.”

http://www.healthnews.com/medical-up...oyed-3121.html

**suki** · 05-16-2009, 01:39 PM

Thanks for sharing this.

What would be really great... if they just simply reduced the cost of their drugs overall. Meds for hubby and me total over $500 monthly. And we're only 40.

**Gardengal18** · 05-16-2009, 01:57 PM

There are various drug stores, Kmart, Walmart, Walgreens, Giant that only charge $10 or less for a 90 day supply. Some are Generic, but they do the same job and some are actually made by the same drug companies. Perhaps you might want to look into that avenue as well.

**RaineyDaye** · 05-17-2009, 10:08 AM

Originally Posted by suki

Thanks for sharing this.

What would be really great... if they just simply reduced the cost of their drugs overall. Meds for hubby and me total over $500 monthly. And we're only 40.

I agree, Suki! My daughter, who is thankfully still employed and has health insurance, can still barely afford her out of pocket expenses for insulin, test strips, and medication for complications of having diabetes for 25 years. (She's Type 1, so it's not like she is diabetic because she didn't "take care of herself"). Then she has to pay for ADHD medicine for her son and allegry medicine for both of her kids. It is killing her financially. So maybe it would be better if the drug companies lowered their prices for everyone, instead of a token gesture. We desperately need to reform the health care system in this country!

**stevie teever** · 05-28-2009, 05:24 AM

Originally Posted by RaineyDaye

I agree, Suki! My daughter, who is thankfully still employed and has health insurance, can still barely afford her out of pocket expenses for insulin, test strips, and medication for complications of having diabetes for 25 years. (She's Type 1, so it's not like she is diabetic because she didn't "take care of herself"). Then she has to pay for ADHD medicine for her son and allegry medicine for both of her kids. It is killing her financially. So maybe it would be better if the drug companies lowered their prices for everyone, instead of a token gesture. We desperately need to reform the health care system in this country!

yes you are right .....i am agree with you