PhRMA Promises “FastAccess” To Patient Assistance Programs

The Pharmaceutical Research & Manufacturers of America is creating a unified enrollment form to simplify access to industry patient assistance programs.

"I would like to announce an innovative web-based tool providing faster, easier access to 40 different patient assistance programs and the more than 400 different medications that they cover," incoming PhRMA Chairman Miles White (Abbott) said during the association's annual meeting in Palm Beach, Fla. April 3.

"Beginning this month, patients and physicians will no longer have to fill out different forms for each participating company," White said. "PhRMA has created a one-stop shop for doctors...to get their patients enrolled in all the programs they need."

The new program, called "FastAccess," will offer a "single, electronic form that will greatly simplify the application process for doctors - helping speed medicines to patients in need," White said.

"It will reduce both the time and expense associated with administrative work. And, it will enable participating companies to do more for more people faster," White declared.

The standardized form will be made available through PhRMA's "HelpingPatients.org" website. The on-line screening tool was launched in 2003 to help expand access to patient assistance programs. However, a unified enrollment form will do more to simplify the administrative burden on free clinics and other caregivers who handle high volumes of uninsured patients.

"FastAccess" is the first of "several process improvements and reforms" PhRMA is developing as part of a renewed effort to expand - and win credit for - industry patient assistance programs.

"In addition to making the process easier, faster, and more accessible, we are working to make the program itself better known, especially among the people who need it most by stepping up our communication," White said.

PhRMA's goal is to "dramatically increase the utilization of patient assistance programs in this country over the next five years," White declared.

PhRMA estimates that 6.3 mil. U.S. patients enrolled in assistance programs in 2003.

"But the good that we are doing in this connection is not good enough," he continued. "According to our own estimates, based on Census data and other sources, there are millions more eligible for these programs than are currently enrolled in one."

"These are people who otherwise fall through the cracks in our system, those who do not qualify for Medicaid, but lack the insurance and the wherewithal to afford the prescription drugs they or a family member need."

"We can - and we will - do better. And in the process, we will help millions more Americans gain free access to the medicines they need."

"If we achieve our goal, our patient assistance programs will help more people gain access to prescription drugs than any other single initiative in history," aside from the 2003 Medicare prescription drug benefit, White declared.

"FastAccess" was one of a series of new initiatives for PhRMA unveiled by White. The Abbott CEO declared that the trade association's mission must be about "more than advocacy."

- Kate Rawson