Paul Adds Short-Term Prescription Drug Program to Long-Term Legislative Plan PDF Print E-mail
FOR RELEASE: August 5, 2000

Paul Adds Short-Term Prescription Drug Program to Long-Term Legislative Plan District Workshops to Help Provide Free or Low-Cost Pharmaceuticals to Seniors

Victoria, TX - In an effort to provide immediate help to seniors struggling to pay for their prescription drugs, Representative Ron Paul today announced a district program called "Free and Low-Cost Prescription Drugs." Paul said this program compliments his "Pharmaceutical Freedom Act" (HR 3636), which is designed to provide long-term financial relief to seniors struggling with drug bills.
Paul said, "The 'Pharmaceutical Freedom Act' ensures that millions of American seniors have access to affordable pharmaceutical products. My legislation is the best way to help seniors in the long run, while my new 'Free and Low-Cost Prescription Drugs' program will give many in my district immediate relief from the skyrocketing cost of medications."
Although it is not widely known, drug companies have programs that offer prescription drugs free of charge to individuals who cannot afford them. The "Free and Low-Cost Prescription Drugs" program is designed to make eligible seniors aware of the programs and help them with the required paperwork necessary to participate. Jackie Gloor, an aide to Rep. Paul, will be coordinating the Congressman's efforts. She said she would be conducting workshops at area senior centers in an attempt to help as many seniors as possible. The workshops also will have a bilingual translator to assist any Spanish-speaking seniors who wish to participate in the program.
Gloor said, "My role is to show the program to seniors and assist in the written paperwork, which can become very labor-intensive. I will be doing this through workshops at senior centers all over the district. I am also working to bring medical professionals into the picture, and so far they have been very supportive."
Paul stated, "I am proud to lead the effort to help seniors find affordable medicine with the 'Pharmaceutical Freedom Act' and the 'Free and Low-Cost Prescription Drugs' program. We have had several success stories where people have received their prescriptions free through this program. After such positive results, I decided to make this a district-wide effort to provide immediate help to our seniors."
Local media outlets will receive notification of a "Free and Low-Cost Prescription Drugs" workshop in their area prior to the scheduled date. Questions about the program should be directed to Jackie Gloor at 361-576-1231.