[log in to unmask] wrote: > For a number of years we have been purchasing our medications from Express > Scripts. They had really low prices on generics. My husband takes Sinemet > and Sinemet-CR in qualtity (240 regular and 150 of the CR each month). This > was through a special program afilliated with the National Council of Senior > Citizens, which organization has now closed down and gone out of business. > > We solicit your help in locating the least expensive mailorder source of > these drugs. Any and all help will be appreciated. > > Thanks > > Jackie Butch > Jacksonville, Florida Jackie, I can't help with mailorder sources, but here is some information I've gathered from many sources (including PIEN and CARE) regarding medication costs. ====================================== Dear Listfriends, The costs of drug prescriptions can mount up fast, especially if you're taking more than one or two medications, or if more than one person in the household uses prescription drugs. For people with Parkinson's, that's often the case. Here's some information I've compiled regarding help with the cost of prescription medications in the U.S. *********************** Directory of Prescription Drug Patient Assistance Programs The research-based pharmaceutical industry has had a long-standing tradition of providing prescription medicines free of charge to physicians whose patients might not otherwise have access to necessary medicines. To make it easier for physicians to identify the growing number of programs available for needy patients, member companies of the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) created this directory. It lists company programs that provide drugs to physicians whose patients could not otherwise afford them. The programs are listed alphabetically by company. Under the entry for each program is information about how to make a request for assistance, what prescription medicines are covered, and basic eligibility criteria.For additional copies of this directory, please call (800) 762-4636. http://www.phrma.org/searchcures/dpdpap/ ****************************** Eli Lilly and Co. offers a drug assistance plan for low-income seniors who have no drug insurance. The plan will supply a month's supply of certain prescriptions for $12 each, at participating pharmacies. The program is called "LillyAnswers" and is open to older adults who have no prescription drug coverage, and whose incomes fall below $18,000, or under $24,000 for couples. Individuals must apply for a card, which can be used for one year. To apply for the card, call 1-877-RX-LILLY. Eli Lilly manufactures Evista, Humulin and Humalog, Prozac, and Zyprexa, among other medications. *************************************** Medicare Prescription Drug Assistance Programs Information on programs that offer discounts or free medication to individuals in need. To find information on prescription drug assistance programs, Medicare managed care plans, and Medigap plans that offer prescription drug coverage in your area, please complete the information below and then select "View Results". For more information on prescription drug coverage or the President's Medicare Rx discount card program, please look at our frequently asked questions and answers. http://www.medicare.gov/Prescription/Home.asp ********************************** In October, 2001, GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) announced a new "Orange Card" program designed to offer discounts on prescription medications. People who have limited incomes and are eligible for Medicare can apply for the Orange Card. The Orange Card is issued by GSK, and is used at pharmacies to receive discounts on GSK medications. Discounts are expected to average around 30%. Orange cards are free, and can be picked up at pharmacies or at your health care provider's office, or by calling 1-888-ORANGE6. The card is effective as of January 1, 2002. All medications produced by GSK are included, including the Parkinson medication Requip. ***************************************** Together Rx Card - for medication costs Abbott Laboratories, AstraZeneca, Aventis Pharmaceuticals, Bristol-Myers Squibb Co., GlaxoSmithKline, Johnson & Johnson, and Novartis have joined together to offer the "Together Rx Card." Those eligible for Medicare can use the card to obtain savings on over 150 medications, with a single card. Medications include those for diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, cancer, allergy, asthma, arthritis, and depression. The card is designed to assist those who have no prescription drug coverage. Enrollees may have incomes up to $28,000 ($38,000 for couples). Enrollment begins April 10, 2002, and cards become effective in June 2002. Enrollment materials are available at participating pharmacies and physicians' offices. Participating pharmacies include Wal-Mart, WalGreens, Target, Albertson's, Costco, Kroger, and Safeway. Individuals with more limited incomes may be eligible for further savings or free medications. Check with your physician, community center, or participating pharmacy for more information. ********************************************************** Veterans Benefits For veterans, consult your local VA office. All medicines are available at $7.00 for a months supply. This is a big savings for items like Mirapex. ********************************************** NeedyMeds was founded by Libby Overly, M.Ed, MSW and Richard J Sagall, MD. in 1997. Our goal is to become the best source of information on patient assistance programs and other programs that help people obtain health supplies and equipment. Lists drugs, drug programs, patient assistance programs, and more. NeedyMeds Website http://www.needymeds.com/ Also: Mailing Address: NeedyMeds, Inc P. O. Box 63716 Philadelphia, PA 19147 Telephone: 1-215-625-9609 FAX: 1-419-858-7221 ******************************************************* Destination Rx Free Drug Locator Contains a listing of drugs with their patient assistance programs http://www.destinationrx.com/freedrug/ Best regards, Kathrynne -- Kathrynne Holden, MS, RD "Ask the Parkinson Dietitian" http://www.parkinson.org/ "Eat well, stay well with Parkinson's disease" "Parkinson's disease: Guidelines for Medical Nutrition Therapy" http://www.nutritionucanlivewith.com/ ---------------------------------------------------------------------- To sign-off Parkinsn send a message to: mailto:[log in to unmask] In the body of the message put: signoff parkinsn