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Collaboration can help the uninsured
The pharmaceutical industry is committed to helping Congress pass comprehensive health care reform that extends affordable, quality health and prescription drug coverage to all Americans while also protecting medical innovation.
However, implementing changes to the system can take time, and many of the nation's uninsured face immediate needs that cannot wait.
A number of free or low-cost health care services are available to the uninsured, including public programs such as SCHIP and Medicaid. Yet many are unaware that these programs exist. As we await a legislative response to some of our nation's health care challenges, we must work together to link the uninsured with services that can help them.
In Delaware, where our U.S. business is headquartered, AstraZeneca is part of a collaborative partnership with the State government, the local hospital system, the United Way, faith-based organizations and other community groups to connect uninsured children and families with available health care services. Now in its third year, this coordinated effort has linked more than 13,000 uninsured Delawareans with nearly 42,000 referrals to free or low-cost doctor, dental and other health services, including medication assistance programs and transportation to medical appointments.
By joining forces, like-minded organizations are extending the impact of their services.
For example, America's pharmaceutical companies have joined forces through the Partnership for Prescription Assistance (PPA) to connect uninsured and financially-struggling patients who lack prescription coverage with patient assistance programs that offer medicines for free or nearly free. This collaborative effort offers a single point of access to information on 475 public and private patient assistance programs, and has helped more than 6 million people since its launch in April 2005.
Now is the time to ask ourselves, "What more can be done today to reach those who are eligible for--but unenrolled in--critical health services?"
By
David Brennan
|
November 6, 2009; 9:53 AM ET
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Posted by: pharmagossip | November 9, 2009 12:18 AM
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big pharma is committed to peddling pills to people like candy. This is one industry that should be regulated big time.
If their was a survey done on the most unethical industries big pharma and health insurance execs would be holding hands for the number one slot.
Posted by: birdydadum | November 7, 2009 11:57 PM
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PS - my question is also on a Google SideWiki on this page.