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September 10, 2002
Combined Pfizer, Parke-Davis Programs Expand Access to Five Million More Americans Up to 22 Million Now Eligible to Receive Assistance
Through Enhanced 'Connection to Care' Program, 'Sharing the Care' and 'Pfizer for Living ShareCard' Pfizer Offers Free or Reduced Cost Medicines to Over 27 Million Americans in Need
NEW YORK, September 9 -- Further demonstrating its strong commitment to increased access to medicines for those most in need, Pfizer today launched Connection to Care, an expanded program providing free medicines to low-income, uninsured patients.
By combining existing Pfizer and former Parke-Davis assistance efforts and lowering income eligibility requirements, Pfizer will partner with health care professionals across the country to provide free medicines to up to 22 million eligible patients who suffer from diseases such as diabetes, hypertension and depression.
Under the new program guidelines, single persons with annual incomes of less than $16,000 and families with annual household incomes of less than $25,000 who have no prescription drug coverage through private insurance or any public assistance program are eligible for Connection to Care.
"The enhanced Connection to Care program, combined with our widely used Sharing the Care initiative and the rapidly growing Pfizer for Living ShareCard puts more than 30 Pfizer medications in reach of over 27 million Americans either free or at greatly reduced costs," said Pat Kelly, president, Pfizer U.S. Pharmaceuticals. "Our efforts to increase access to medicines for low-income Americans are unmatched in the private sector."
To reach as many eligible patients as possible, Pfizer has distributed information on Connection to Care to more than 120,000 physicians and health care centers across the U.S. and set-up a toll free number at 1-800-707-8990 for doctors and patients to call with enrollment questions. A mailing to more than 3,000 patient advocacy groups and 8,000 federal and state legislators will also help these leaders alert their members and constituents who may be eligible for assistance through the program.
"I'm excited about what I can do for people. I can do so much more for them than I could ten or fifteen years ago. A large part of that is because of the medicines that are available to me now," said Dr. James Middleton of the Family Medical Center of Munfordville, Kentucky. "The new Connection to Care program is going to make it easier for me to get my patients the medicines they need."
For more than 30 years, Pfizer has provided medications to help physicians care for low-income, uninsured patients. In addition to Connection to Care, Pfizer operates two additional programs to expand access to medicines for those most in need. Through Sharing the Care, an innovative program developed in partnership with the National Governors Association and the National Association of Community Health Centers, Pfizer provides free medicines to needy Americans at more than 375 community clinics in 48 states. Introduced in January 2002, the Pfizer for Living Share Card provides health education materials and any Pfizer prescription for a $15 flat fee to income eligible Medicare enrollees without prescription drug coverage.
Pfizer currently donates more medicines to patients than any other pharmaceutical company. In 2001, Pfizer helped approximately 1.4 million patients by providing 2.3 million prescriptions valued at nearly $345 million.
"As policy makers at the state and federal level continue to debate the best way to provide effective, affordable health care coverage for every American, Pfizer is taking action to ensure that patients have access to their medications," Kelly added. "We are a health care company and we care deeply about helping improve the lives of patients."
To verify eligibility for Connection to Care, patients must have a prescription from their doctor for a Pfizer medication, complete an application form and submit copies of their income tax return together with the appropriate supporting financial documents. Doctors treating patients that lack the necessary documentation should contact Pfizer to discuss other options available for those particular situations. If approved, patients receive a three-month, renewable supply of Pfizer medication through their physician's office.
The products available under this program include some of Pfizer's leading medications, including: Lipitor® (for high cholesterol), Neurontin® (for epilepsy), Norvasc® (for high blood pressure and angina) and Zoloft® (for depression).
Pfizer Inc discovers, develops, manufactures and markets leading prescription medicines for humans and animals and many of the world's best-known consumer brands.
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