Prescription Drug Help Rolls Into Mississisppi

Help Is Here Express Bus

An effort is underway to connect uninsured and financially struggling Mississippians with free or nearly free prescription medicines. MPB's Lawayne Childrey caught up with the PPA bus tour as it travels thru the state this week.

With Mississippi's rising unemployment numbers, the loss of health care benefits has affected thousands of Mississippians. Eddie Roberts of Jackson has applied with the Partnership for Prescription Assistance for help

“I got unemployed about two months ago so my savings are rapidy disappearing so I’ll need assistance with my medication which I’ll need for life.”

Over the years, The PPA has helped more than 100,000 Mississippians find out if they qualify for free or discounted medicines. Spokesperson, Kaelan Hollon is with the PPA's "Help is Here Express bus tour" that's rolling through Mississippi this week.

“People seem to need us now more than ever . between the rising rates of chronic disease and worsening economy we’re getting some huge crowds. And we’re getting a lot of response from people that this program has really helped them out in a dire time.”

“My medicine runs up into the hundreds of dollars for a 30 day prescription. And so if I’m taking three to four prescriptions, that’s more than I’m making now.”

recently retired Jackson school bus driver, Betty Henderson has applied for PPA coverage. If approved, the pharmaceutical company that makes her medicine, may supply it free of charge.
The Help is Here Tour will also makes stops in Biloxi, Meridian and Greenwood this week. For MPB News, I'm Lawayne Childrey.