(BUSINESS WIRE)--Pfizer Inc announced today that Together Rx Access®, a prescription savings program sponsored by Pfizer along with several other leading pharmaceutical companies, has expanded the program’s eligibility income levels to help even more uninsured individuals and families save on the medicines they need to stay healthy and to manage chronic conditions. Under the new income levels, nearly 90 percent of uninsured Americans will now be eligible for the Together Rx Access Program.

Access to medicine is a cornerstone of Pfizer’s commitment to health care reform. For more than 20 years, Pfizer has been helping patients in need get access to Pfizer medicines. Today, this assistance is provided through Pfizer Helpful Answers, the largest and most extensive patient assistance program in the U.S. Pfizer Helpful Answers helps uninsured Americans, of any age or income, receive Pfizer medicines for free or at a savings. In 2008 alone, Pfizer distributed more than 6.5 million Pfizer prescriptions for free or at a savings to 936,000 patients – including patients helped through Together Rx Access.

“More individuals and their families are feeling the impact of the economic crisis through the loss of jobs and healthcare benefits,” said Gary Pelletier, director of Pfizer Helpful Answers. “Pfizer is committed to helping people access the medicines they need. By expanding the eligibility income levels for Together Rx Access, Pfizer and all of the member companies are enhancing this convenient, multi-company savings program to help address the urgent needs of Americans who require help taking care of their health.”

The enhanced income levels for which individuals are eligible for the Together Rx Access Program are now:

• $45,000 for a single person (formerly $30,000)
• $60,000 for a family of two (formerly $40,000)
• $75,000 for a family of three (formerly $50,000)
• $90,000 for a family of four (formerly $60,000)
• $105,000 for a family of five (formerly $70,000)

Over the past 12 months, the unemployment rate in the United States has risen by 3.3 percent,^* which by some estimates, may result in more than 3 million additional Americans without health insurance.^†

“Our member companies have taken this important step to reach even more individuals who may be struggling right now,” said Roba Whiteley, executive director of Together Rx Access. “Proof of the success of this unique, multi-manufacturer model is the fact that the Program has more than 1.8 million cardholders, with thousands more enrolling each week. Those who have used their Together Rx Access Card have saved over $80 million on their prescription medicines. The expansion of our eligibility requirements will allow these numbers to continue to grow.”

In addition to meeting the expanded income levels, individuals must be legal residents of the United States or Puerto Rico, and have no public or private prescription coverage, or qualify for Medicare, to be eligible for the Together Rx Access Card. The card is free to get and free to use.

Together Rx Access offers potential cardholders a simple enrollment process. Individuals have the option of enrolling online at TogetherRxAccess.com, calling a toll-free number 1-800-966-0407, or completing a short application and returning it by mail. All enrollment materials, including the Together Rx Access website, are available in English and Spanish.

About Together Rx Access

The Together Rx Access Card was created by many of the nation’s leading pharmaceutical companies to help hardworking Americans and their families gain access to immediate and meaningful savings on prescription products right at their neighborhood pharmacy. Most cardholders save 25 to 40 percent^§ on brand-name prescription products. More than 300 brand-name prescription products are included in the Program.^** Savings are also available on a wide range of generics. Medicines in the Program include those used to treat high cholesterol, diabetes, depression, asthma, and many other common conditions. The Card is free to get and free to use. For more information about the Together Rx Access Card, contact Together Rx Access at 1-800-966-0407, or visit TogetherRxAccess.com.

About Pfizer Helpful Answers®

Pfizer Helpful Answers is a family of programs that helps people without prescription coverage save on many Pfizer medicines, no matter their age or income. People with limited income may even qualify to get their Pfizer medicine for free. Consumers without prescription drug coverage who need a Pfizer medicine can call the Pfizer Helpful Answers toll-free number, 1-866-706-2400, or visit the Web site, www.PfizerHelpfulAnswers.com. Pfizer Helpful Answers is a joint program of Pfizer Inc and the Pfizer Patient Assistance Foundation™.

*U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics: http://www.bls.gov/opub/ted/. Accessed 3/06/09.

^†Kaiser Family Foundation: http://www.kff.org/charts/042808.htm. Accessed 2/12/09. Accessed 2/12/09.

^§Each cardholder's savings depend on such factors as the particular drug purchased, amount purchased, and the pharmacy where purchased. Participating companies independently set the level of savings offered and the products included in the Program. Those decisions are subject to change.

^**Visit TogetherRxAccess.com for the most current list of brand-name medicines and products.

Together Rx Access and the Together Rx Access logo are trademarks of Together Rx Access, LLC. All other marks are the property of their respective owners.

© 2009 Together Rx Access, LLC.