A new web site run by pharmaceutical companies can help direct Indiana residents to prescription drug programs that offer free or discounted medications. Governor Mitch Daniels, a former executive at Eli Lilly and Company, says it's a safer alternative to importing drugs from other countries.
Patients provide information on age, income level and insurance and their eligiblibity for discounts or free medicine from drug companies is then worked out. Enrollment forms can be filled out by patients and doctors online and sent electronically to the programs.
Rx for Indiana, a partnership of nearly 60 health care, community, business and consumer groups, is making it easier than ever for eligible Indiana residents to access free or significantly discounted prescription medications.
Health care providers or family members can access more than 275 programs that provide more than 1,800 prescription medications through pharmaceutical assistance programs.
Donald Trainor, M.D., chief medical officer, Southeast Health Clinic & HealthNet Community Health Centers, says doctors are often frustrated when they are unable to access specific medications; staff often spend valuable time with patients sifting through endless applications for programs for which they might not even qualify. He considers this method much more effective and efficient.
Rx for Indiana has been designed for anyone who needs to access prescription assistance programs; it has a Spanish language Web site as well as trained Spanish speaking operators at the toll-free number. Operators are also able to help the deaf and hearing-impaired.