GSK Offers 50 Percent Discount on Medicines to Uninsured Patients

[Pharma Newshound]

Source: Press Release

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CORRECTION:
Earlier today FiercePharma published a story based on a press release from GlaxoSmithKline. According to the release [see below], CEO Andrew Witty said the company was offering a 50 percent discount on meds for U.S. patients who are uninsured. That's a pretty steep price cut. It's also not true. A GSK spokesperson, as well as a PRWeb manager, contacted us to say that the release was published in error. The release "was a test publication which was accidentally distributed through PRWeb," according to the manager. "We are currently in the process of retraction for Comtex and TradingMarkets.com. Needless to say, GlaxoSmithKline is extremely unhappy about this."

The GSK spokesperson added that patients have been contacting the company due to the confusion over these benefits. She said an accurate description of all of GSK's prescription support programs can be found at http://www.gskforyou.com/.
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- Beginning April 1, GlaxoSmithKline (NYSE: GSK) will offer a 50 percent discount on its medicines to patients younger than 65 years old who lack prescription drug insurance, regardless of their income.

Helping Patients Follow Doctors' Advice, Improving Health Drive New Program
Issued: Monday 30 March 2009, Research Triangle Park, NC

Beginning April 1, GlaxoSmithKline (NYSE: GSK) will offer a 50 percent discount on its medicines to patients younger than 65 years old who lack prescription drug insurance, regardless of their income. Patients with chronic illnesses will be offered the opportunity to work by phone with a health coach to help them learn about their disease and take control of their care to achieve the best health outcome possible.

JUST THE FACTS
GSK is offering a substantial discount - 50% off the list price (wholesale acquisition cost) of GSK medicines -- to patients without prescription drug insurance, regardless of their income. This will result in a savings at the pharmacy counter of approximately $xxxx off the retail price of most medicines.
Patients also may choose to take advantage of a health coach, a health care professional (??) who can provide free disease information via telephone to help patients take control of their condition and improve their overall health.
This program is designed to be a helping hand until the uninsured obtain employer-based coverage or until health reform efforts result in coverage of the uninsured.
This extends GSK's commitment to improving Americans' access to medicines. Already existing programs include: Together Rx Access (a multi-manufacturer card that offers savings of 25-40% off retail price on branded medications for low-income uninsured individuals) and GSK Access, Bridges to Access and Commitment to Access.

BY THE NUMBERS

The new uninsured card will offer a 50% discount off list price (wholesale acquisition cost), resulting in a savings of approximately $xxxx off the retail price of most medicines.

There are an estimated 65 million uninsured Americans eligible for the card although fewer may be taking GSK medicines.

The uninsured are two to three times more likely to have a chronic disease requiring medication but they are far less likely to get their prescriptions filled than those patients with insurance.

GSK already gives away $1.2 million in free medicine each day through its existing patient assistance programs.

WHY IT MATTERS

Deirdre Connelly, President US Pharmaceuticals, GlaxoSmithKline:
'Every day we work to find solutions to people's health problems, but our work is more than finding new treatments and cures. It's innovating to help people afford their medications. We are pleased to introduce our Prescription Cost Relief Card, which will help no matter a patient's income level or whether he or she qualifies for public programs. We feel this is simply the right thing to do, especially in this economy.

Tom Smith, President, National Federation of Independent Businesses:
'Paying for health insurance for employees at independent businesses is a luxury that few can afford in this economy. It is good to know that companies like GlaxoSmithKline are willing to workers afford their medicines during this difficult economy.'

Evelyn White, Owner, SalonStyle in Poughkeepsie, NY
'As a small business owner with a preexisting condition, I really appreciate finally having a resource like the Prescription Cost Relief Card. I have been fortunate in my business, but not with my health. Before this, I was told that I just didn't qualify or made a little too much to qualify for other programs.'

Links to more information:
The new savings card for the uninsured: www.gsksavings.com
GSK programs to help those who can't afford their medicines: www.gskforyou.com
Coupons and offers for reduced cost medicines: www.couponclipper.com
What GSK medicines are covered by these cards: www.gskmedicines.com