Laborers' Health and Safety Fund

Health and Safety

Is the high cost of prescription medications keeping you from getting the health care you need? We all know that medications, when taken as prescribed, can improve lives and decrease overall health care spending. However, a prescription doesn’t do you any good if you can’t afford the medication. If you don’t have prescription coverage and can’t afford your medicines, help is available.

Following are informational resources and programs available to assist you in obtaining prescription medications:

• NeedyMeds - NeedyMeds is a web-based, no-cost, informational source similar to the Yellow Pages. They do not supply medications or financial assistance but help you find programs that do. The web address is www.needymeds.com.

• Rx Outreach - Rx Outreach is a patient assistance program, for people who qualify financially. The program offers prescription medicines to uninsured individuals and families, as well as those who have limited prescription drug coverage. Rx Outreach is managed by Express Scripts Specialty Distribution Services, Inc. (ESSDS). It is not an Internet pharmacy. To contact Rx Outreach you can call customer service at 1-800-769-3880 or on the web at www.rxoutreach.com.

• Xubex Pharmaceutical Services - Xubex offers assistance to qualified individuals for generic medications. You may call 1-866-699-8239 or on the web at www.xubex.com.

• Partnership for Prescription Assistance Program - The Partnership for Prescription Assistance is a national program, sponsored by America’s pharmaceutical research companies to help patients in need access prescription medicines. They also provide assistance in finding free health clinics in or near your community, help contact government programs such as Medicaid, and assist Medicare beneficiaries with information about the new Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit. To access by phone, you can call, 1-888-477-2669 or on the web at www.pparx.org.

• I-SaveRx- I-SaveRx was developed by Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich and allows consumers to purchase prescription refills from licensed, inspected pharmacies in Canada and the United Kingdom at an average savings of 25-50%. There are no income requirements or enrollment fees and the program is open to Illinois, Kansas, Missouri and Vermont residents. For more information, you can call 1-866-472-8333 or on the web at www.I-SaveRx.net.

For more information on prescription assistance you can contact your Health & Welfare Fund or the Midwest Region Laborers’ Health and Safety Fund at 800-218-2253.