Programs team up to offer cheaper drugs for low-income Alabamians

MONTGOMERY — Low-income Alabamians who don't have drug coverage can apply to a new prescription partnership with 475 programs that offer free or low-cost drugs to patients of any age.

Partnership for Prescription Assistance of Alabama is part of a national effort sponsored by the pharmaceutical industry to help those who can't afford prescription medicines. The initiative is similar to Senior Rx, a state program that helps people 60 and older.

More than 400,000 Alabamians under 65 who haven't gotten help before will qualify for some type of assistance with their drugs, according to an estimate by the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America, which is sponsoring the initiative.

More than 2,500 drugs are available free or at low-cost, said Christian Clymer, a senior directory with the pharmaceutical group.

The income eligibility cutoff varies among the programs, but most will help those at or below 200 percent of the poverty left. That mean assistance typically is available for a single person with $19,140 or below in annual income or a couple with $25,660 or below.

The Prescription Assistance Program was launched national in April, sparking 1 million to get assistance in the first six months. Thursday's launch in Alabama added 25 partners who are public or private groups in the state.

"Some of the most life-changing medications for arthritis are incredibly expensive, and they are all on there," said Sandi Falkenhagen, director of the state chapter of the Arthritis Foundation.

All applications require a valid prescription.

Consumers can access the Partnership for Prescription Assistance program by calling a toll free number — (888) 477-2669, or through the Internet at www.pparx.org.