The Partnership for Prescription Assistance (PPA) is a service from America’s pharmaceutical companies. It helps low-income, uninsured and underinsured Americans get needed medicine. People who call the PPA can also find out about free health care clinics in their area. There are more than 475 public and private patient assistance programs that provide free or nearly free medicines. The PPA can help people figure out which ones they may potentially qualify for. Simply visit www.PPARx.org or call 888-477-2669.

Questions you should ask about the medications prescribed to you:

1. What are the side effects of this medication?

2. Does this medication cure my problem or does it just reduce the symptoms?

3. What are other ways to resolve my health problem?

4. What is the likelihood that this medication is addictive or may harm my kidneys?

5. Would you (the prescriber) recommend this medication to your parent or child?

Questions you should ask about free health care clinics:

1. Is my treatment here part of any research or study?

2. Will I be treated with any drugs or procedures that are considered experimental,  that may damage my health or are not proven to resolve my health problem?

3. Are my medical records private?