Drug company offers free prescriptions to unemployed

Wkrn.com Channel 2 News Beginning July 1, pharmaceutical giant Pfizer will be offering many of their popular medications to those who qualify for free. Viagra, Lipitor and Celebrex are among the list of 70 prescription drugs people can apply to receive at no cost. To qualify for Pfizer's free drug program, applicants must be uninsured with no prescription drug coverage, have become unemployed on or after January 1, 2009 and have taken a Pfizer medication for at least three months prior to losing their job. It is estimated that 46 million Americans do not have health insurance, and that number has climbed by hundreds of thousands recently due to the economic recession. Pfizer won't say how much the free program will cost but its employees are helping foot the bill. Even if it is part PR move, pharmacists think it's a great idea. While some may claim the free drug program is a PR move, pharmacists like Tommy Malone think it's a great idea. He told News 2, "As long as people who need medication get medication then it's a good deal. I don't care who benefits." The application process is already underway. To find out if you qualify, call 1-866-706-2400 or visit Pfizer.com. The program begins July 1. If approved, the free prescription drugs will last for one year, or until the participant finds a new job.