GlaxoSmithKline is expanding its program that provides free medicines to low income and uninsured patients.
The drug maker announced today that it will improve access to its assistance program by making it easier for patients to enroll themselves. Previously, patients had to enroll through a nurse or other health-care advocate.
Now, a patient can fill out a one-page form. Once GSK verifies income and the prescription, the company will mail a free-90 day supply of medicine.
The Bridges to Access program will provide free drugs to single people with household income of less than $27,075; $36,425 for couples; and $55,125 for a family of four. Available drugs include Advair for asthma, Augmentin and other antibiotics, Zantac, Zofran and more.
“We are proud to discover and deliver medicines that can help people do more and feel better,” said Deirdre Connelly, GSK's president of North America Pharmaceuticals. “At the same time we recognize these are difficult financial times that can take a toll on people’s ability to pay for care. We want to do what we can to support better health, especially for those who may find themselves suddenly in difficult financial situations.”
The change follows a May announcement by rival Pfizer that it planned to give away up to a year's worth of free drugs to people who lose their jobs.
Last year, GSK gave away drugs worth about $438 million to nearly 415,000 patients through various assistance programs.
The British company has its U.S. headquarters in Research Triangle Park and employs nearly 5,000 in this region.
Enrollment applications and more information is available online or by calling 866-728-4368.
Assistant Business Editor Alan M. Wolf joined the N&O in 1999 covering the business of health care. He became an editor in 2001, and helps oversee the paper's daily business coverage and Sunday Work&Money section. He lives in Clayton with his wife and two children. Reach him at 919-829-4572 or 
