Pharmaceutical company Pfizer announced a new program called MAINTAIN (Medicines Assistance for Those who Are in Need) which makes 70 of their medicines free to US residents who have lost their jobs. According to the company’s website, the program was initiated by company employees “who were witnessing friends, family and neighbors struggle to make ends meet after losing their jobs.” Many pharmaceutical companies, including Pfizer, already have patient assistance programs that help eligible patients pay for medications. By giving away free medicines during this time of economic hardship, the company is likely aiming to keep patients loyal to the brand. Eligibility requirements of the new program include:
- Loss of employment since January 1, 2009
- Prescribed and taking a Pfizer medicine for at least 3 months prior to becoming unemployed and enrolling in the program
- Lack of prescription drug coverage
- Can attest to financial hardship
Click here for more information and the MAINTAIN application.
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Dr. Steven Chang, the author of DailyDose, is a staff physician with Kosmix RightHealth. Dr. Chang practices Family Medicine at the University of California Davis Medical Center, where his medical interests include both pediatric and geriatric care, public health, gay and lesbian health, and sleep medicine. Dr. Chang trained at the Stanford University affiliated O'Connor Hospital, and was a research fellow at the National Institute of Health. He holds an M.D. from McGill University and a BA in Public Health from Johns Hopkins University.