NeedyMeds

NeedyMeds is a 501(c)(3) non-profit information resource devoted to helping people in need find assistance programs to help them afford their medications and costs related to health care. NeedyMeds was founded in 1997 by Richard Sagall, MD and Libby Overly, MSW when Libby was working as a medical social worker in a rural Mississippi. She developed a database of PAP information to help her meet the needs of her clients. When she described this database to Rich , a friend with a medical practice in Bangor, Maine, he conceptualized making the information available on the Internet to make it available to more people. This was the beginning of NeedyMeds.

The mission of NeedyMeds is to make information about assistance programs available to low-income patients and their advocates at no cost. The NeedyMeds website is the face of the organization. Databases such as Patient Assistance Programs, Disease-Based Assistance, Free and Low- Clinics, government programs and other types of assistance programs are the crux of the free information offered online.

NeedyMeds is funded by small grants, donations, sponsorships, subscriptions to PAPTracker, and syndication of various database information. NeedyMeds also works with the patient assistance programs of several pharmaceutical distributors.

Learn more about NeedyMeds here.

Pfizer Offers Free Drugs to Unemployed, Uninsured

These are tough economic times and we need better patient assistance programs. Pfizer is coming out with a program to help people who have lost their jobs and health insurance. If you lost your jobs since Jan. 1 and you've been taking a Pfizer drug for three months or more, then probably qualify. These individuals will have access to free prescription Pfizer medications (including common drugs like Lipitor which is used to lower cholesterol and Viagra for the treatment of erectile dysfunction) for up to a year.

• Starting today, patients can call a toll-free number, 866-706-2400, to sign up.
• Starting July 1, patients can also apply through the Web site

So, do you know anyone who could take advantage of this program?