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Consumers
Do Not Need to Pay
for Information on Free Drugs
The Federal Trade Commission is urging consumers to be wary of e-mails
from marketers offering information on free or low-cost prescription
drug programs for a fee. A new consumer alert, “No Need to Pay
for Information on Free (or Low-Cost) Rx Drugs,” cautions consumers
that some marketers may be using spam e-mails to trick consumers into
paying as much as $195 for information that is publicly available
for free.
The FTC’s alert tells consumers that free information on discounted
or free prescription drugs is available from physicians, pharmacists
and a new Web site, www.helpingpatients.org. The Web site provides
information on patient assistance programs for consumers who lack
prescription drug coverage. Consumers can apply for free or low-cost
prescription programs or medicines on the Web site, or ask a health
care provider to help them apply.
“Don’t be misled by ads promising ‘free’ prescription
drugs,” said Lydia Parnes, Acting Director of the FTC’s
Bureau of Consumer Protection. “Although such programs exist,
eligibility requirements are strict. Information about these programs
is free and readily available.”
Industry and government patient assistance programs offer nearly 1,000
medicines to treat a variety of diseases and conditions, including
cancer, Alzheimer’s, diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood
pressure, stroke, schizophrenia, and depression. However, not all
consumers qualify for the programs. Consumers’ eligibility is
determined in part by their income and the cost of the drugs they
need – a computer program determines whether consumers match
with a particular program.
The FTC’s consumer alert is available at www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/alerts/rxdrugsalrt.htm.
© CONTACTO Magazine
Published on November 20, 2004
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