Government web site very helpful for those with no prescription drug benefits

41 million Americans don't have any medical insurance. No insurance means no prescription drug benefits that provide low cost drugs. <br><br>News on Six consumer reporter Rick Wells updates a story

Monday, February 17th 2003, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

41 million Americans don't have any medical insurance. No insurance means no prescription drug benefits that provide low cost drugs.

News on Six consumer reporter Rick Wells updates a story from last fall that offers help for people looking for cheaper medications.

Back in October we met Pat Moore from Porter. He had found prescription drug assistance for his mother on the Internet. With the help of Chrissie Scheulen at his doctor's office he applied for and got a couple of his mother's medications free thru the drug company's assistance program.

A week or so ago I got an e-mail from Pat Moore. It said he'd found additional help on of all places the Medicare web site. He said, "I don't know why I didn't go to this site first, I guess we don't expect the government to be this helpful to the needy."

Anyway here's what he found. The web site is www.medicare.gov. Scroll down until you find prescription assistance. There are two steps to getting the info, register your location either zip code or state. Then you can register up to 5 pharmaceutical companies and or up to five health conditions or diseases.

The site will tell you what programs are available to help and or how to contact the drug companies for other assistance. Last fall we gave you a list of Canadian Pharmacies as a possible source for cheaper medications. They're still available, but pharmaceutical companies like Glaxco Smithkline have threatened to restrict access to their drugs in Canada, if they are sold to US customers.

There is help available for folks who qualify, need help with information about the medications you take and who makes 'em, an excellent place to start is at the drug store your pharmacist can help you get started.