Help for prescription drug customers

[okarol]

Help for prescription drug customers

By By Marija B. Vader
Free Press Staff Writer
Tuesday, July 1, 2008

GRAND JUNCTION — Kellene Mortensen spends $600 a month on prescriptions keeping her son alive.

The $600 monthly fee represents the 20 percent portion she and her husband are required to pay for anti-rejection drugs for their 21-year-old son, who underwent a kidney transplant three years ago.

In another year, he’ll no longer qualify for his parents’ insurance, and knowing her son needs these medications for the rest of his life, Mortensen is searching for solutions to his medical challenges.

“It’s my full-time job to keep my son insured,” said Mortensen. “I’m hoping to get a little relief on my prescriptions.”

Mortensen was one of several dozen Mesa County residents who sought help Monday morning from the Partnership for Prescription Assistance. A one-stop shop for prescription help for people of low income and insurance, the PPA brought its mobile office to Grand Junction and set it up in the First Assembly of God parking lot.

As a clearinghouse for 475 different programs, the PPA has helped some 60,000 Coloradans find a low-cost prescription plan for them, said Karl Uhlendorf, director of communications for Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America, or PhRMA.

Inside the bus were 10 computer terminals and people helping prescription drug users find a less expensive outlet for their medications.

For information, call (888) 477-2669 or see pparx.org.

Reach Marija B. Vader at mvader@gjfreepress.com.
http://www.gjfreepress.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080701/COMMUNITY_NEWS/720717124/1076&ParentProfile=1059&template=printart

[Sunny]

All we can do is hope the new bill passes the senate that would provide anti-rejection meds for the life of the transplant through Medicare. People with transplants should not have to worry about their med coverage running out.It doesn't do anyone any good.