InsightHostKimmy - Hi guys!

Dr. Tracey Brown - I think there is an ice hockey team with that name around here somewhere

InsightHostKimmy - I hear you're hostless tonite ;o)

Dr. Tracey Brown - Mudbugs that is

TRANSAM - Tina is trying to get in Dr. I phoned her long distance form Canada,lol

Hobbles - probally

Dr. Tracey Brown - Thanks

Hobbles - cool trans

TRANSAM - Welcome

gene - We have a baseball team in eastern NC called the Mud Cats Catfish I thik

InsightHostKimmy - Dr. Brown, I'm sorry for the confusion. I'll go ahead get things started.

InsightHostKimmy - You guys ready to chat?

Dr. Tracey Brown - Whenever you are

Hobbles - yep

Bre - sure

gene - yes

TRANSAM - Well night guys. This is US only chat. Thanks Kimmy

InsightHostKimmy - Who want's to go first. Just type ? so we can get to everyone.

InsightHostKimmy - Why US only trans?

InsightHostKimmy - Oh, for the medications. (duh!)

Hobbles - lol

gene - Are there any arthritis meds that are free?

Dr. Tracey Brown - If I may interject something. Some of the Canadians may have US friends they can pass info along too

Dr. Tracey Brown - Yes, there are plenty. Actually is the drug is on the market there is usually some free or reduced program for it.

InsightHostKimmy - You may interject anything wish! Everyone's welcome trans!

Hobbles - can u get free meds if you have insurance

Bre - where do we go to get started

Dr. Tracey Brown - If you have third party insurance that covers prescriptions you can't. But if you have just hospitialization or Medicare you usually can. Let me explain where the book came from and that might help you all a little. Several years ago my Dad was diagnosed with Alzheimer's and put in a nursing home. My mother is the typical southern belle. She is 82 and Daddy had done everything for her all her life. She can't even put gas in a car. I started helping her with her checkbook and finances and realized they were spending more than 600 a month on medicine. They were only bringing in 1500 between them through Social Security and VA I had been doing research for a living for a number of years so I set out to find if there was any help of any kind. It took me over 5 months but I found programs through the pharmaceuticals companies themselves. In the '80's Clinton and Congress tried to regulate the pharmaceutical companies but cut a deal that the drug companies would offer medications for those that couldn't afford it if Congress wouldn't regulate them.

Dr. Tracey Brown - They just didn't discuss who would advertise it, so I took that job on my self.

Dr. Tracey Brown - After more than a year I was able to compile in book form all the pharmacutical companies, the requirements (which are all different according to company), their procedures for applying and in most cases the application.

Dr. Tracey Brown - Does that help ya'll understand a little more of where I'm coming from?

* Hobbles (Plays Sound: applause.wav) applause

bert - yes

InsightHostKimmy - Yes it does!

Hobbles - yes hats off to you Dr.

Bre - yes

Dr. Tracey Brown - Now, can I answer any questions in particular.

Hobbles - where can we get your book

Dr. Tracey Brown - Go to nookpublishers.com and it's available there.

InsightHostKimmy - So - someone with no insurance or no prescription coverage still has options when it comes to getting their medications. Are there certain drugs that are easier/harder to get.

Dr. Tracey Brown - The book sells for $49.95 plus s/h.

Hobbles - well worth it

InsightHostKimmy - (We're gonna keep mentioning the website so everybody has a chance to check it out!)

Dr. Tracey Brown - The only drug I've have know of problems with are controlled substances.

InsightHostKimmy - understandable.

Dr. Tracey Brown - The newest edition (scheduled for release tomorrow) has 323 programs instead of the 300

Bre - are there income guidelines

Dr. Tracey Brown - And 104 forms instead of the original 64

InsightHostKimmy - are the programs for drugs or drug companies? both?

Hobbles - wow

bert - what about the exspensive arthritis drugs like Remicade and Enbrel?

Dr. Tracey Brown - Each page contanins a different company name, program name, contract address, phone number,

Dr. Tracey Brown - Fax number, qualifications, application process, whether form is available, dispensing process, refill process and special notes.

Dr. Tracey Brown - About the Remicade, please hold one sec. Do you know the name of the company?

InsightHostKimmy - Thanks! I've been trying to get over to Tina's to take a look at your book because she just RAVES about it. I'm dying to take a look!

Dr. Tracey Brown - I'll be glad to check.

bert - i dont, Tin do you kow?

InsightHostKimmy - hang on....I'll find it.

twinkt - sorry i missed the beginning,but is this a new program to help pay for our ra drugs?

Bre - yes twink

Dr. Tracey Brown - It covers all medications

twinkt - whats the name of the book?

Dr. Tracey Brown - FREE MEDS:The drug companies best kept secret

InsightHostKimmy - LOL...you type so much faster than I do.

Texas - Centocor makes Remicade

InsightHostKimmy - thank you texas...

Dr. Tracey Brown - Centocor has a program called Remicade Patient Assitance Program

InsightHostKimmy - you can see the book information at www.nookpublishers.com

bert - ty

Dr. Tracey Brown - Patient must not have prescription coverage and there might be income guidelines but they are not released.

bert - ok, thanks, I will pass this info along .

Dr. Tracey Brown - The doctor calls the company for the application (Or his office) The doctor is an important part in all these programs.

Dr. Tracey Brown - 800 964-8345 is the 800 number.

bert - ty

Dr. Tracey Brown - Next?

Texas - ?

InsightHostKimmy - go ahead Texas

Texas - I know several families with mulitple members with rheumatoid disease Can they apply as a family

Dr. Tracey Brown - Some programs use household income, some use individual.

Dr. Tracey Brown - Application processes though are always one on one.

Texas - It makes sense, Thanks

Dr. Tracey Brown - The doctor has to issue a prescription and it has to match his patient.

bert - Is there a limit to the amount you can get free? a yr ? 2yrs? etct

Dr. Tracey Brown - These programs were designed for temporary assistance but most of them allow you to reapply every 6 months or 1 year

twinkt - does it cover drugs that have a generic form on the market?

Dr. Tracey Brown - No generics are covered

Dr. Tracey Brown - Just name brands

twinkt - what about pain pills like ultram?

Dr. Tracey Brown - Do you know the manufacturer?

twinkt - yes just a minute

Dr. Tracey Brown - I'm sorry to ask for this but there are so many companies and so many drugs, I have a hard time calling them off the top of my head.

InsightHostKimmy - Ortho-McNeil for ultram

Dr. Tracey Brown - Yes there is a program for Ortho McNeil

Dr. Tracey Brown - Patients must be medically indigent. (Can't afford medication)

Dr. Tracey Brown - Doctor determines the eligibility. (That's good)

Texas - Your next book, Dr. Brown , needs to be where to go for the best treatment with complicated cases and for studies.Especialy for JRA....Please

Dr. Tracey Brown - 800 797-7737 is the number to call

Dr. Tracey Brown - The doctor's office contacts the company for the form

Dr. Tracey Brown - Applications are patient specific.

Dr. Tracey Brown - The doctor completes the form, signs it, attaches a prescription and then

Dr. Tracey Brown - the patient calls and reviews the application with the company before they mail it.

Dr. Tracey Brown - If approved a 3 month supply of the medicine is sent to the doctor's office.

Dr. Tracey Brown - Does that help you?

InsightHostKimmy - Did you say there are some applications in your book? Could a patient copy a form and take it to their doctor?

Dr. Tracey Brown - Yes. We encourage that because that keeps conversation down, especially with senior citizens.

Dr. Tracey Brown - They don't have to say anymore than that to the doctor.

InsightHostKimmy - Very Good!

InsightHostKimmy - More questions guys?

Dr. Tracey Brown - We also encourage the copy of the page to be taken to doctor

Dr. Tracey Brown - So he will know all the specifics and requirements

InsightHostKimmy - Maybe everybody should buy their doctor a copy of the book for christmas? ;o)

Guest81 - does the question have to be on a certain subject?

Dr. Tracey Brown - I'll vote for that

InsightHostKimmy - Dr. Brown is discussing her book that helps you find discounted or free medications if you can't afford them.

Dr. Tracey Brown - I forgot to mention that the books are looseleaf bound so they can be added to.

twinkt - how much does the book retail for?

Dr. Tracey Brown - $49.95 but $6.50 s/h

twinkt - thanks

Pstar - does this apply only for the US or Canada as well?

Dr. Tracey Brown - Not Canada unless you are a US citizen.

Dr. Tracey Brown - One of the common questions I am asked is "Is this just for Seniors?"

Pstar - ok thanks

Dr. Tracey Brown - No, this is for everyone.

Dr. Tracey Brown - Because of the Medicare scuttle but in the news, seniors are usually thought of first.

Texas - Dr Brown , do you think the advertising done by the pharmaceuticals is making the cost of meds rise???

Dr. Tracey Brown - That is exactly what is causing the meds to rise. They spend more on ads than research and development

bert - and free food for drs and staff! lol

* Texas gnashing teeth and pulling hair!!!

Dr. Tracey Brown - Their second highest cost is lobbying. Did you know that there are 640 lobbyist for 535 Senators and Representatives?

Dr. Tracey Brown - Spending more than $70 million last year.

InsightHostKimmy - wow!

* Texas Banging head against wall and writing Congresspersons

InsightHostKimmy - you can't write and bang at the same time Tex...one or the other please ;o)

Dr. Tracey Brown - Their main job is to keep prescription benefits off medicare.

InsightHostKimmy - A person shouldn't have to choose between food and medicine.

Texas - lol

Dr. Tracey Brown - I see it everyday. That or utilities or rent instead of medicine or food.

twinkt - i heard a bush ad on tv that says he is going to allow $120 a month for meds is that true for florida?

Dr. Tracey Brown - Science has given us so many great meds to help, heal and promote a better quality of life

Dr. Tracey Brown - But then Pharmaceutical companies put them out of our reach. Like dangling a carrot.

Dr. Tracey Brown - Right now Floridas benefits are #80 a mont

Dr. Tracey Brown - 80$ a month (sorry)

twinkt - thanks dr

Dr. Tracey Brown - if you fall between 90%% - 100%% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. I don't know of any increases.

Dr. Tracey Brown - But I try and keep up with 38 state programs.

Texas - Do you feel that the Pharmaceuticals are making drugs to treat symptoms rather than cure disease, Dr Brown??

twinkt - i think its just for seniors in florida

Dr. Tracey Brown - I do know that Florida requires a 10%% co-pay on prescriptions. Yes it is just for seniors

bert - Must be very frustrating to be a dr and know your patients need meds and cant afford them.

Dr. Tracey Brown - I am a Ph.D. but my brother is a psychiatrist in Utah and I've heard him scream about it.

twinkt - my dr gives me a lot of samples,it helps a lot

Dr. Tracey Brown - But we do have some doctors that won't help their patients get their meds.

Dr. Tracey Brown - That's when I remind people that that is what the yellow pages is for.

InsightHostKimmy - there's no way to apply to the drug companies yourself?

InsightHostKimmy - (with a prescription, of course!)

Dr. Tracey Brown - Some of the companies allow you to apply but you've got to have the doctor's prescription

Dr. Tracey Brown - I don't know of any

Dr. Tracey Brown - Who would you sue if you had a reaction? Isn't that what the doc's for?

Dr. Tracey Brown - LOL

InsightHostKimmy - LOL

bert - lol

Dr. Tracey Brown - Everyone has to CYA

InsightHostKimmy - Any more questions?

Dr. Tracey Brown - Anyone have any other specific drug I can help with?

twinkt - thanks for your concern dr

Dr. Tracey Brown - I hope you all tell Tina what a good time we had without her.

Hobbles - thanks for caring

Hobbles - lol we will

Bre - thank you dr

bert - This has been very interesting. Thank you for your time and information.

InsightHostKimmy - Thanks so much Dr. Brown! Maybe if we promise to be more organized you'll come back again and discuss this more with us.

Texas - Ty Dr Brown Good luck with the book!

Hobbles - Thank You Dr. Brown

Dr. Tracey Brown - Anytime. Also please don't hesitate to email me with any questions you may think of.

InsightHostKimmy - That's really nice of you! We'll do that!

Texas - Kimmy do yuou have the email addy?

Dr. Tracey Brown - You can reach me through the website for the book.

Texas - TY

Dr. Tracey Brown - nookpublishers@aol.com

InsightHostKimmy - The website is www.nookpublishers.com and the book is Free Meds: The Drug Companies Best Kept Secret

InsightHostKimmy - We'll have more info about it with the transcript for tonite's chat. keep an eye on the update page!

Dr. Tracey Brown - Let me know anytime you want me to chat. I'll be happy to attend

Dr. Tracey Brown - As long as I'm not schedule to become a Grandma again.

Dr. Tracey Brown - My daughter says never again, so I guess you are safe

InsightHostKimmy - LOL...that is the best excuse I can think of...

Hobbles - lol

Texas - Congratulations, Dr. Granny!!!

InsightHostKimmy - Thanks again for patience and all the great information!

Dr. Tracey Brown - No prob. Anytime. Hope all of you got some benefit from this.

InsightHostKimmy - I'm sure many will :o)

Dr. Tracey Brown - Ya'll (Hobble will know that phrase) have a good evening.