Program Highlight: Free Pfizer Meds for Unemployed
The recession might be a little less painful for some Americans who won't lose their prescription medications if they lose their jobs. Pfizer Inc. recently announced it will give away more than 70 of its most widely prescribed drugs, including Lipitor and Viagra, for up to a year to people who have lost jobs since Jan. 1 and have been taking the drug for three months or more. The program comes as the unemployment rate topped 8.9 percent in April.
Pfizer stands to benefit, too - by keeping its customers, and with a tax write-off that will cover much of the cost of the donations. The move also buys the world's largest drug maker some good will as Washington looks to overhaul the healthcare system.
According to Pfizer, the inspiration for the new program, called MAINTAIN™ (Medicines Assistance for Those who Are in Need), was generated by Pfizer employees who were witnessing friends, family and neighbors struggle to make ends meet after losing their jobs.
The Pfizer MAINTAIN program will help eligible people in financial need continue to get their Pfizer medicines if they have recently become unemployed and do not have prescription coverage. Beneficiaries of the program will get their Pfizer medicines for free for up to a year or until they become re-insured (whichever comes first).
- Eligibility: Individuals and their immediate family members are eligible for this program if:
- They have become unemployed since January 1, 2009
- They were prescribed and taking a Pfizer medicine for at least 3 months prior to becoming unemployed and enrolling in the program
- Lack prescription drug coverage
- Can attest to financial hardship
- Duration: Pfizer MAINTAIN will become fully operational on July 1, 2009 and is open for enrollment through December 31, 2009. The program applies to eligible Americans who have become unemployed since January 1, 2009. People who need immediate assistance can contact the program at 1-866-706-2400 to get help prior to the program’s official launch.
- Enrollment: Applicants will be asked to complete an easy, one-page form, attest to financial hardship and provide proof of unemployment. The program does not require people to verify income and, as the program was designed for people who already have a Pfizer prescription, it will not be necessary to visit the doctor prior to applying to Pfizer MAINTAIN. Pfizer will process applications within two to three weeks. People who think they may qualify should call 1-866-706-2400 or visit www.PfizerHelpfulAnswers.com.
- All of Pfizer’s patient assistance programs, including the new program, can be reached by calling a single phone number (1-866-706-2400) or by visiting www.PfizerHelpfulAnswers.com ( Those who contact Pfizer Helpful Answers in need of medicines made by another company will be directed to the Partnership for Prescription Assistance, a pharmaceutical industry initiative that serves to raise awareness of, and boost enrollment in, more than 475 public and private patient assistance programs.)
The 70-plus drugs covered in the program include several diabetes drugs and some of Pfizer's top money makers, from cholesterol fighter Lipitor and painkiller Celebrex to fibromyalgia treatment Lyrica and Viagra for impotence. Also included are some antibiotics, antidepressants, heart medications, contraceptives, and smoking cessation products. Cheaper generic versions are available for most of the drugs. The program will probably help prevent patients from switching to cheaper brands or generics through the worst of the recession and could help retain those taking top-seller Lipitor, which will begin competing with generic versions next year. The giveaway was heralded by some as a brilliant marketing move that will generate low-cost publicity, build consumer loyalty, and keep inventory from piling up. The 10 best-selling drugs included in the program accounted for more than $26 billion, or 64 percent, of Pfizer's total sales last year. Officials for New York-based Pfizer said they don't know how much the program will cost.
-Adapted from “Jobless can get free medicines; Pfizer plan likely to boost loyalty”, By Linda A. Johnson and Matthew Perrone, Associated Press, appeared in The Boston Globe, May 15, 2009, http://www.boston.com/jobs/news/articles/2009/05/15/jobless_can_get_free_medicines/ retrieved 5/18/09; and Pfizer Press Release May 14, 2009 and Pfizer MAINTAIN Fact Sheet, forwarded by Marie Elena Gioiella. Thanks Marie Elena!
5/09