Office of Disability Concerns
Information Bulletin
Do you know that several thousand low income Oklahomans are receiving free or deeply discounted prescription drugs? They are provided through pharmaceutical manufacturers to qualifying low-income individuals. The Oklahoma Pharmacy Connection Council, created by the Legislature in 2002, wants all Oklahomans to know about these programs.
To obtain these free or discounted prescriptions, the individual must complete an application on a form provided by the manufacturer of the drug. One section is for the patient to complete and the other for the prescriber. The doctor submits the application and the prescription to the manufacturer. When approved, the manufacturer sends the free drug to the doctor, who then gives it to the patient.
To obtain information and an application, you need to know the name of the drug, which your physician or pharmacist can provide. Enter the product name at http://www.rxassistplus.com, www.needymeds.com or www.phrma.org. If you do not have Internet access, you can obtain by mail a directory of manufacturers that have programs by calling 1-800-762-4636. You can obtain the name of the manufacturer of your drug from the Physician’s Desk Reference, available at any library or bookstore.
In addition to the above programs, free discount cards are available to qualifying Medicare beneficiaries only. You can obtain information/applications as follows:
Together Rx 1-800-865-7211
Pfizer Share Card 1-800-717-6005
Lilly Answers Card 1-877-795-4559
These cards only work for products made by participating manufacturers. You can enter the name of your drug at www.opha.com and find out which discount card, if any, is available for your drug. Cards are free and are for use at the drug store when you fill your prescription. The discount is reflected in a reduced cash payment, which can be substantial.
These programs have helped several thousand Oklahomans. If you know of someone who may need and qualify for such assistance, please pass this article along.
More information:
OSDH - "RX for Oklahoma" Prescription Drug Program
Participating Manufacturers: Abbott, AstraZeneca, Aventis, Bristol-Myers Squibb, GlaxoSmithKline, Janssen, Novartis, Ortho and McNeil.