PhRMA Statement on SCHIP Enrollment

Washington, D.C. (March 12, 2008) —Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) President and CEO Billy Tauzin today issued the following statement today regarding the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP):

“America’s pharmaceutical research companies are heartened by HHS Secretary Leavitt’s announcement today that enrollment in SCHIP increased by nearly 6 percent last year. Now, more than seven million children nationwide who lack health insurance are getting the care they need.

“Nothing is more important than ensuring the health of our children. That’s why PhRMA and its member companies continue to work to raise awareness of SCHIP and support its reauthorization by the U.S. Congress.

“Despite the success of SCHIP – and its enrollment gains last year – too many American children still lack health coverage, including many who are eligible for but have not enrolled in the program. To help address this problem, America’s pharmaceutical research companies are committed to supporting public policies and programs that help children and their families receive affordable, quality health care.

“Last year, PhRMA expanded the Partnership for Prescription Assistance (PPA) program to include SCHIP enrollment information. The PPA, sponsored by PhRMA and its member companies, is a national clearinghouse for more than 475 patient assistance programs that provide free or nearly free medicines to uninsured and financially struggling patients who qualify. More than 40 of these assistance programs focus on the medication and health care needs of children.

“To help make it easier for parents to learn about these available programs, including SCHIP, the PPA created a website specific to children, http://kids.pparx.org.”

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The Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) represents the country’s leading pharmaceutical research and biotechnology companies, which are devoted to inventing medicines that allow patients to live longer, healthier, and more productive lives. PhRMA companies are leading the way in the search for new cures. PhRMA members alone invested an estimated $43 billion in 2006 in discovering and developing new medicines. Industry-wide research and investment reached a record $55.2 billion in 2006.

PhRMA Internet Address: www.phrma.org

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For information on the Partnership for Prescription Assistance, visit: www.pparx.org

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