GlaxoSmithKline Bridges to Access Prescription Assistance Program.

The GlaxoSmithKline Bridges to Access prescription assistance program is being enhanced and expanded. The pharmaceutical company has announced that it will be making free prescription medicines easier to obtain for individuals and families that are uninsured, unemployed, or just plain struggling to make ends meet. Just during 2008 also, GSK patient assistance programs provided discounted or medicines that were valued at almost $450 million to over 400,000 patients. The medicines were provided in the form of approximately 2.5 million free 30-day prescriptions.

How do I apply?

Currently there are two ways to apply for the Bridges to Access program. There is a self-enrollment option that has a simple, one-page application. Or you can decide to enroll by telephone with the help of a healthcare advocate such as a pharmacist, nurse, or a social worker. In the past, all applicants needed to apply through an advocate.

How quickly can I get help?

If you use the self-enrollment form for the GlaxoSmithKline Bridges to Access program, a free 90-day supply of medicine will be mailed to qualified patients within just two days after the receipt of their application, a request for a prescription and verification of their household income. However, if you are a patient who needs prescription medicine immediately and can’t wait those two days, then you can enroll by telephone with the help of your advocate. If you use this option, you can immediately pick up a 60-day supply of the medicine you need at any retail pharmacy for just a $10 co-pay. Remember that most GSK medicines that are used in any outpatient setting are available through the Bridges to Access assistance program.

Most of the company’s medications that are currently used in an outpatient setting are being provided by Bridges to Access prescription program. Patents can get free prescriptions for diabetic medication Avedia, Coreg for heart disease and also the epileptic medication Lamictal among others.
 

Get details on the GlaxoSmithKline Bridges to Access program.

Like most programs, there are some conditions and criteria to receiving help. Patients who currently get prescription drug benefits from any public or private insurance plan are not eligible for this program. The program will offer free medicines to eligible individuals and families with total household incomes of less than  $27,075 for a single person household; $36,425 for couple; and $55,125 for a household of four. If your income is higher than this, you still can get some aid as patients with incomes above this amount may be able to qualify through an adjustment to their income for certain out-of-pocket medical expenses.

Bridges to Access enrollment applications are available by calling 1-866-PATIENT (1-866-728-4368). If you need more help, GSK offers a number of other resources and programs to help as many patients as possible gain access to the medicines they need. Information on all of the programs available can be found at www.gskforyou.com.

What other programs exist from GSK?

Several other programs exist, and they are:

• The Commitment to Access program for oncology and other specialty pharmacy products. If you are interested in apply, patients need to apply with the help of an advocate. There are some conditions, and income eligibility is $54,150 for a household of one; $72,850 for two persons; and $110,250 for a family of four.
   
• GSK Access for Medicare Part D. They are eligible for medicines, and it covers enrollees who have spent at least $600 on prescription medicines this year. The household income limits for this prescription assistance program are the same as Bridges to Access.
   
• Together Rx Access, which a free prescription medicine savings card program for those who are not eligible for Medicare or other state or federal government programs. This program and card was created in 2005 by several pharmaceutical companies, including GSK. In total, Together Rx Access will provide consumers savings on more than 275 products. To qualify for this, a Together Rx Access participant cannot have current prescription coverage, they can’t be eligible for Medicare, and they also need to be a legal US resident with household income equal to or less than: $30,000 for a single person, $40,000 for a family of two, $50,000 in come for a family of three, $60,000 for a family of four, or $70,000 in income for a family of five. Together Rx Access applications and additional information are available at  1-800-444-4106 or go to www.TogetherRxAccess.com.