ASTRAZENECA EXPANDS FREE DRUG PROGRAM TO COVER MORE PEOPLE

An additional 3.8 million people without prescription drug coverage will be eligible for free drugs from AstraZeneca thanks to an expansion in the company's Patient Assistance Program.

Under the program, an individual earning under $30,000 per year or a family of four earning $60,000 or less per year that does not have drug coverage can receive AstraZeneca medications without paying, the company announced Nov. 1. Additionally, people with drug coverage who are undergoing financial hardship can apply to the program for temporary assistance.

The company also provides one-on-one education and information to help individuals in the plan obtain recommended medications, regardless of the manufacturer.

Tony Zook, president of AstraZeneca, noted that a family earning the median U.S. household income of around $46,000 would qualify for the program after the expansion. The company expects the plan to help people in the lower and middle classes.

The move met with approval from Rep. Jim Clyburn (D-S.C.), the AARP and the National Alliance for Hispanic Health.