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Partnership for Prescription Assistance Celebrates Its Eighth Anniversary

April 5, 2013

Washington, DC — The Partnership for Prescription Assistance (PPA), a nationwide effort sponsored by America's biopharmaceutical research companies to help patients obtain access to the medicines they need for free or nearly free, is celebrating its eighth anniversary today. Since its debut in April 2005, PPA has helped nearly 8 million Americans by connecting them to patient assistance programs.

"Over the past eight years, we've been helping people who are uninsured and struggling to get access to their medicines," said John Castellani, President and CEO of the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA). "The PPA has become an important lifeline for a growing number of patients."

Patients seeking help with their medicines can call PPA's toll-free number (1-888-4-PPA-NOW) to talk to a trained operator or access the PPA Web site ( www.pparx.org). The PPA offers access to information on more than 475 assistance programs, with nearly 200 of the programs provided by biopharmaceutical companies.

Patients who qualify for help from the PPA's participating patient assistance programs have access to more than 2,500 brand-name and generic prescription medicines. In addition, the PPA provides information on more than 10,000 free health care clinics in America and has connected more than 300,000 patients with clinics and health care providers in their communities.

A growing body of evidence illustrates how appropriate use of medicines improves health outcomes and helps reduce spending in other areas of health care, such as costly hospitalizations and surgeries. The first step to improved adherence is ensuring patients have access to the medicines their doctors prescribe. PPA has proven to be an important resource for uninsured and struggling Americans.

Relatedly, the Medicare prescription drug program (Part D) provides seniors and disabled Americans with broad access to affordable prescription drug coverage. Part D offers a wide range of plans that help beneficiaries access the medicines they need and, in turn, help improve adherence to doctors' orders. 90 percent of Part D enrollees report that they are satisfied with their coverage.

"Medicines are a critical part of the solution to our health care challenges, leading to better health outcomes and savings to the system," Castellani said. "The biopharmaceutical industry is committed to ensuring that medicines are available to patients who need them."

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