AZ&Me(TM) Prescription Savings program

The AZ&Me(TM) Prescription Savings program for healthcare facilities provides medicines free of charge to community free clinics, community health centers, hospitals and other qualifying facilities that serve the uninsured. This enables patients to quickly get the medicines they need, often at the same place they receive their medical care.

"AstraZeneca recognizes that providing affordable and accessible healthcare to uninsured and underinsured Americans is critical to building healthy communities," said Jennifer McGovern, Director, Patient Assistance Programs, AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals LP.

In 2008, AstraZeneca provided $17.3 million in savings to more than 11,600 patients in Michigan. Nationally, the company helped more than 440,000 patients save $612 million on their medicines.

MPCC provides quality medical services to uninsured adults in Detroit between the ages of 18 and 64. MPCC serves as a medical home for 1,000 active patients, providing primary care, lab and radiology services, limited specialty care, transportation and medication. Through partnerships with community providers and organizations committed to the uninsured, MPCC is able to provide patients with high quality care including chronic disease management for conditions such as diabetes, hypertension and depression.

According to Detroit's Wayne State University School of Medicine, there are currently approximately 250,000 individuals lacking health insurance in the city. Combined community resources are only sufficient to provide care for 50,000 of these individuals, leaving a critical need for partnerships that expand access.

"At Mercy Primary Care, we strive to eliminate the common barriers to quality care that many uninsured individuals face, and the AZ&Me(TM) program for healthcare facilities will help us work toward this goal," said Aiisya Williamson, Executive Director, Mercy Primary Care Center. "In this challenging economic climate, our partnership with AstraZeneca will allow us to help more Detroit residents in need access their medicines."

The next enrollment day where uninsured Detroit residents can apply by phone for medical services at MPCC is November 3, 2009.

State Representative Betty Cook Scott said: "In the area I serve, I know many families and seniors who are on limited incomes and struggle with making 'ends meet.' The tragic reality is that there are those who are sometimes forced to do without medications they need because they are not able to pay for them. I applaud AstraZeneca's efforts to extend a hand to those who need help accessing their medicines. We must ensure that Detroit residents are aware of resources like Mercy Primary health Care Center and the AZ&Me Prescription Savings program for healthcare facilities, which can make a difference in the health of our families, our neighbors and our communities."

The AZ&Me Prescription Savings program for healthcare facilities is available to non-profit organizations that have a licensed outpatient pharmacy or dispensary on site and meet other program criteria. Patients are eligible for AstraZeneca medicines through this program if they do not have prescription drug coverage and have a household income at or below $30,000 for an individual, or $60,000 for a family of four. Michigan Health Insurance