Pfizer to offer free medications

May 14, 2009 – 6:39 pm – No Comment

Pfizer will begin offering prescription drugs to unemployed people for reduced costs or free. The company will provide 70 of its most popular drugs in the program. The program is targeted at people who have not only lost their job, but also their health insurance.

Right now, there is a huge push in the government circling around health care costs. There are a lot of health care issues, including the high cost to families who are not covered through their jobs or schools.

With the current economic situation, Pfizer is banking on the fact that everyone knows someone who has lost their job or is going without the prescriptions they need because of lack of health insurance and prescription drug coverage.

Pfizer’s plan is likely to gain market share by gaining brand loyalty. Often, people are more welcoming to a company who is doing good things while times are tough.

The 70 drugs that Pfizer will be offering include diabetes drugs as well as some of the company’s top money makers. Lipitor, Celebrex, Lyrica and even Viagra will be covered in the plan. Other types of drugs that are covered are popular drugs like antibiotics, antidepressants, antifungal medications, heart medications, contraceptives and some cheaper generic versions of the drugs.

Pfizer did have a program that ran fun 2004 to 2008 that helped 5.1 million consumers get 51 million Pfizer prescriptions at a reduced cost, or sometimes even for free. The company estimates that they saved families $4.8 billion.

It is nice to see a big pharmaceutical company trying to help out where they see fit. Even though they stand to benefit greatly by implementing this program, it is still going to be very helpful to many families who may be going without the drugs they need to help control some of their illnesses.

I actually don’t have prescription drug coverage, and today I had to make a trip to the doctor following my gallbladder removal surgery and some pain I am having. The doctor prescribed me some sort of drug that helps get rid of bile, but I was unable to buy it today. I am trying another method before I spend the money on the prescription. I hate that I have to decide whether to pay my cell phone bill or have a drug that alleviate my pain symptoms. I actually commend Pfizer for their attempt to start this program.