For Immediate Release:
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Nancy Pekarek (215) 751 7709
Mary Anne Rhyne (919) 483 2839
GlaxoSmithKline Launches The Orange Cardsm -- An Innovative Prescription Medicine Savings Program for Seniors in Need
Washington, DC (October 3, 2001) -
To help address a critical gap in prescription drug coverage,
GlaxoSmithKline today unveiled an innovative program to offer savings on
its outpatient prescription medicines directly to eligible low-income
seniors and the disabled.
The Orange Card, an extension of GlaxoSmithKline's patient assistance
program, is designed so participants will realize average savings of 30%
off the usual price they pay for outpatient GSK medicines. In some cases,
savings may be 40% or greater.1
"The GlaxoSmithKline Orange Card program assists low-income seniors who
have no prescription coverage," said Jean-Pierre Garnier, CEO of
GlaxoSmithKline. "We support a Medicare prescription drug benefit, but
while the issue is still being debated in Congress, GSK wants to provide
relief now for America's most needy seniors.
"We spend a great deal of time and effort in developing effective
medicines. With the Orange Card, we hope to help participants be able to
afford to follow their doctors' prescribed treatment and realize the full
value of those medicines through a longer healthier life," Garnier said.
An estimated 80 percent of retirees use a prescription drug every day.2
About 30 percent of seniors do not have any kind of drug coverage.3
Medicare recipients without prescription coverage spend an average of $546
per year for outpatient medicines.4
Garnier said as many as 11 million seniors could be eligible for the
Orange Card program.
Those eligible are senior citizens age 65 and older and the disabled who
are enrolled in Medicare who:
- Have annual incomes at or below 300% of the federal poverty level (annual incomes at or below $26,000 single or $35,000 for a couple)5 and
- Lack public or private insurance programs or other pharmaceutical benefit programs, such as Medicaid.
"We will continue to work for the passage
of a Medicare prescription drug benefit, which will provide the kind of
long-term assistance our seniors need and deserve," Garnier said.
GlaxoSmithKline's effort to help seniors most in need was applauded by
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy G. Thompson.
"The GlaxoSmithKline Orange Card is a dynamic, effective and very
practical way for seniors to receive significant price reductions," said
Secretary Thompson. "The application process is easy, quick and
understandable to everyone. This is exactly the kind of approach we need -
innovation and competition in the private sector, not counterproductive
price controls."
Applying for the GSK Orange Card is free and easy. Applications are
available through healthcare providers or by calling a toll-free number:
1-888-ORANGE6. The Orange Card application process begins immediately and
participants can begin using the card on January 1, 2002.
>>To read the rest of this press release, please follow the link below.<<
