FORT WAYNE, Indiana (April 1, 2005) – Governor Mitch Daniels introduced Rx for Indiana to more Hoosiers today, traveling to Fort Wayne to participate in an Rx for Indiana open house. The new program that links Hoosiers to companies providing free or significantly reduced-cost prescription medications has already assisted more than 25,000 people.

 

The governor visited the Aging and In-Home Services of Northeast Indiana where volunteers helped Fort Wayne area residents determine their eligibility for assistance. Rx for Indiana started on March 8, and through March 29, 25,316 people (67.68 percent of those who have inquired) have learned they initially qualify for savings.

 

“Every week more and more Hoosiers are being helped,” said Daniels. “We continue to receive feedback that families are saving hundreds or thousands of dollars. Our volunteer base is growing and that means we will help more people save money on their prescription drugs.”

 

About 60 health care, community, business and consumer groups are partnering in Rx for Indiana, which is designed to simplify the process for Hoosiers to reach pharmaceutical companies that offer low-cost or free prescription medications. Volunteers throughout the state are being trained to help others use the Web site, which is www.RxforIndiana.org. The Web site includes a Spanish-language version.

 

To reach Rx for Indiana by phone, use the toll free number 877/793-0765 (trained Spanish-speaking operators are available). Persons who are Deaf or hearing impaired may contact Rx for Indiana through Relay Indiana.

 

Rx for Indiana links patients with information about pharmaceutical assistance programs provided by various companies and through the state or federal government. Information about more than 275 public and private programs that provide more than 1,800 prescription medications is available.

 

The governor’s Office of Faith Based and Community Initiatives is playing a key role in organizing the volunteer training effort as awareness of Rx for Indiana spreads across the state. Individuals who want to volunteer for the Rx for Indiana program may call 877/483-9275.

 

 

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Media contact:  Jane Jankowski, Office of the Governor, 317/232-1622, jjankowski@gov.in.gov