Hi, I don't know how many of you are familiar with Clark Howard, but he did a short piece the night before last on TV on how to obtain free prescription medicine. This may be of help to those Countrysiders who require meds but have no insurance. It seems that several major drug companies have formed a group called The Medicine Program which will give free prescriptions to those in need. There are three requirements for obtaining the prescriptions free: 1. No insurance 2. Can't qualify through medicaid/welfare or other programs 3. Can't afford to pay for medicine, ie. if you buy meds, you can't eat..type thing.

Anyway the piece interviewed several people who got their meds through this program, one lady whose husband had died, she lived off his SS income, but didn't qualify for Medicaid was receiving over $400 per month of free prescriptions. Some were name brand, others were generic. Seems like a legitimate thing, of course you have to qualify, but thought it might help those who can't get their meds any other way.

-- Cindy (colawson@mindspring.com), February 17, 2001

Answers

Sorry, forgot to put the email addy in: www.clarkhoward.com

The article is on Clark Howard's home page.

Hope this helps someone.

-- Cindy (colawson@mindspring.com), February 17, 2001.

In my experience with Hospice, I have had several patients and family members who have qualified for these manufacturer sponsered programs. Most only required verification from the prescribing physician. There are also many free clinics that provide medications and services to those that qualify.

-- Terri Perry (teperry@stargate.net), February 18, 2001.

I used to work in a doctors office. If you are in need just ask your doctor or nurse if they can get your meds from the manufacture. Now this takes a little more work for them but if they are nice then they can get your meds for free. You don't have to fill out any forms, they do it all, I have seen it done and it works. Also, you can ask for samples when you go for your visit, drug reps are always dumping samples at doctors offices and the one who get them are the ones who ask.

-- Tina (clia88@newmexico.com), February 22, 2001.

I need a phone number and address to the Preciption Drug Company that gives you free medicine and the address also. This is my name and phone number Dorene Goodrum, 638 Pleasant Hill Rd. Conyers Ga 30012. My phone number is 770-918-1007. Please write back. Thank You.

-- Dorene Goodrum (d_goodru@bellsouth.net), May 05, 2001.

This is the web site for the program: www.themedicineprogram.com, you can also do as one other poster here said and contact a hospice agency who can help you fill out the forms and send them in. This is a valuable program to any who cannot afford prescription medicine and is according to the consumer advocate Clark Howard, quite legitimate.

-- Cindy (colawson@mindspring.com), May 05, 2001.