Generic Assistance Program Overwhelmed by Success – Forced to Temporarily Suspend Operations

GLOUCESTER, Mass. - July 7, 2015 - PRLog -- Recognizing that many people are unable to afford their medicines, even generics, NeedyMeds started the Generic Assistance Program (GAP) in the fall of 2014. The goal was to offer certain higher-cost generic medicines for free to people unable to afford them.

"Many people believe all generic medications are inexpensive," said Rich Sagall, MD, president of NeedyMeds. "Unfortunately, that's just not true. Many generics are costly; some cost more than many brand name drugs."

GAP started with an initial fund of $100,000 provided by NeedyMeds and Rx Outreach, its partner in the program. The response was overwhelming and recently the program has been restricted to existing participants. In a little over seven months all the money was committed.

NeedyMeds has embarked on a fundraising program, with the goal to receive enough donations to reopen GAP to new applications. "Every day we have to turn away deserving people because we don't have the funds to cover their medications," said Sagall. "The huge response to GAP is proof of the need for this type of program. If everyone who visits our website donated just $10.00 we would be able to help thousands more people."

"We are pleased to partner with NeedyMeds on this program," said Michael Holmes, president of Rx Outreach. "Our mission is to make generic medicine affordable to as many people as possible."

Individuals wishing to make a tax-deductible contribution to GAP learning more about GAP should go to http://www.needymeds.org/gap.htm or contact NeedyMeds at 978-281-6666.

"Our hope," said Sagall, "is that some of the generic manufacturers will step up and make donations to this program." He continued, "Unlike brand name pharmaceutical companies, generic manufacturers don't offer programs that help people unable to afford their medicines. GAP provides them with a way to help those in need."

NeedyMeds, known as the best and most complete source of information on programs that help people unable to afford healthcare costs, believes GAP is the first large-scale program to assist with generic medicine costs. "There are many programs that help with brand name drugs," said Laurie-Marie Pisciotta, Director of Strategic Partnerships & Education, "but helping with generic medicines is rare." She continued, "I really hope everyone sees the value of GAP and makes a donation so we can continue the program."

About NeedyMeds: NeedyMeds, a national nonprofit, is a comprehensive and reliable source of information on assistance programs available for people having difficulties paying for their medications or health care. The website (http://www.needymeds.org) is visited by approximately 17,000 people each workday. NeedyMeds' information is always free, easy to access, and updated regularly. Unlike similar sites, NeedyMeds requires no registration and gathers no identifiable information on site visitors. For more information call 978-281-6666.

About Rx Outreach:  Rx Outreach is the nation’s largest non-profit mail order Patient Assistance Program (PAP). The Rx Outreach mission is to provide affordable medications for people in need and Rx Outreach has served more than 180,000 patients since 2010. Rx Outreach offers over 150 branded and generic medications at an affordable cost for patients that earn less than 300% of the federal poverty level. For more information or to apply please call 1-888-RXO-1234, or visit www.rxoutreach.com