Pfizer Inc said today it will launch the pharmaceutical industry's most comprehensive initiative to significantly expand access to prescription medicines across the United States, with a specific focus on enabling America's 43 million uninsured to obtain Pfizer medicines at significant savings.
With enrollment beginning in August, Pfizer will provide millions of working families without drug coverage access to Pfizer medicines at an average savings of 37 percent. Pfizer's medicines treat many common medical conditions, including hypertension, cardiovascular disease, depression and diabetes.
America's uninsured suffer because they can't afford to see doctors as well as get preventive care, needed medical tests and prescription medicines. The uninsured also lack the purchasing power of large-volume buyers like health maintenance organizations and large employers. Many of their treatable medical conditions go undetected for years until expensive medical interventions, often in America's already overloaded emergency rooms, are required.
In response, Pfizer will offer uninsured families earning less than $45,000 a year the ability to buy medicines at prices similar to those paid by large purchasers. Families without drug coverage making more than $45,000 will be eligible for average savings of 15 percent off retail prices if they do not have drug coverage.
"We are providing choice, simplicity and expanded access to help Americans get the medicines they need," said Pfizer Chairman and Chief Executive Hank McKinnell. "Because we all know that millions of Americans can't afford health insurance, we are making an unprecedented commitment to help these hard-working people gain access to prescription medicines. We understand the need for action to help people who can't afford medicines or insurance, and that is why we are pleased that this initiative is receiving such widespread support from political leaders, our health care partners and the business community," he said.
"I applaud the steps Pfizer is taking today, which will provide America's uninsured with access to medicine at significant savings. Pfizer is helping those in dire need get the medicine they often require. This effort holds the promise of helping people in real need, and that is vitally important," said U.S. Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-NY).
"I would like to commend Pfizer on the initiative unveiled today, which is expected to expand access to prescription drugs across the nation. I'm confident that through a strong partnership with the business community, we can make even greater progress in improving access to quality health care for all New Yorkers," said Governor George Pataki of New York.
In addition to the unemployed, the uninsured include two-income families, single parents, the self-employed, new college graduates and low-wage workers. Eighty percent are working families, over 50 percent are ethnic minorities, and half of all uninsured children do not see a doctor.
In addition, almost half of the uninsured population postpones seeking care because of cost. They forego preventive care, such as mammograms and screening for prostate and cervical cancers, and are more likely to be diagnosed with late-stage cancers where treatment can be more expensive and outcomes less favorable. Nearly 40 percent report not being able to afford the medicines prescribed for them, and about 20 percent rely on hospital emergency rooms for their main source of medical care.
Caring for the uninsured imposes an enormous financial burden on America's health care system. Uninsured Americans received approximately $35 billion in uncompensated care in 2001, and the number of uninsured has risen by two million since 2001.
"All segments of society must work together on many fronts to help Americans who are uninsured or underinsured," Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy G. Thompson said. "I commend Pfizer for helping families get access to the life-saving and life-enhancing drugs they need."
"As a nation, it is imperative that we address the human and financial cost of disease among America's uninsured," said Karen Katen, president of Pfizer Global Pharmaceuticals. "By helping all Americans, regardless of age or income, get access to safe and affordable Pfizer medicines, we can make a meaningful difference in their health and at the same time address the skyrocketing costs of acute care. Early and effective treatment, including the use of medicines, is always better than an emergency room visit for both the patient and the health care system.
"We also recognize that many low-income Americans need access to our medicines at no cost. That's why today we are expanding our assistance programs, including Connection to Care, Sharing the Care and the Hospital Partnership Program, so that they can get more help. Last year, Pfizer provided 6.6 million prescriptions to more than 1.5 million people in America free or at minimal cost. Now we expect that number to increase substantially."
Key elements of the new Pfizer initiative, "Helpful Answers," include: