GlaxoSmithKline will offer its patient assistance programs to Medicare beneficiaries not enrolled in Part D.

In a reversal of an earlier announcement, GlaxoSmithKline reported on May 3rd that it's Patient Assistance Programs will be available to Medicare enrollees that do not sign up for a Part D drug program. However, patients who may be eligible for the Part D Low Income Subsidy will be required to apply for this benefit. GSK will continue to supply these patients with their medicine until a decision has been made as to whether they will receive the subsidy.

Patients who do not qualify for the Low Income Subsidy and have not enrolled in Medicare Part D can continue to get medicine through GSK's patient assistance programs.

GSK will ask the Office of the Inspector General of the Department of Health and Human Services for an opinion about this decision. Once that review has been made, further "enhancements" may be made to the patient assistance programs.

Medicare eligible patients with questions can call the company's toll free customer service center at 1-888-825-5249.

GSK's Bridges to Access program provided out-patient prescription drugs to low-income patients who do not prescription benefits. The Commitment to Access program supplies patients who qualify with oncology medicine.

Created 5/5/06