FamilyWize and United Way Worldwide Partner

FamilyWize Community Service Partnership, a national grassroots social enterprise that is improving the health and financial stability of millions of Americans who are uninsured or underinsured, announced a new, 10-year, national partnership with United Way Worldwide.

According to a release, through a national education campaign and the distribution of free prescription savings cards, FamilyWize and United Way are on a mission to help millions of individuals and families get the medicines they need, and ultimately ensure that everyone has access to affordable prescription medications. The goal: to deliver $1 billion in prescription savings.

According to Consumer Reports, Americans who are struggling financially tend to skip their medicines or lower their dosages. A Commonwealth Fund Biennial Health Insurance Survey in 2012 shows 46 percent of adults in the U.S. -- representing more than 80 million people -- have either no prescription coverage or inadequate coverage, making medication unaffordable. Anywhere from 29 million to 44 million people annually will remain without insurance and prescription benefits over the next 10 years -- as projected by the Congressional Budget Office.

"The FamilyWize card is the primary prescription benefit for millions without health insurance and a critical backup benefit for the underinsured when medicine isn't covered by their health plan -- which, sadly, statistics show the majority of American families struggle to pay for prescriptions," said Dan Barnes, president and CEO of FamilyWize. "Without prescription assistance, families are left making difficult decisions between getting medications and buying food. The United Way national partnership will mean we can reach deep into communities across the country to help tens of millions of people afford the medications they need and deserve."</p>

"United Way is focusing on creating opportunity for all by improving health, education and financial stability," added Stacey Stewart, U.S. president of United Way Worldwide. "Our Partnership with FamilyWize helps us advance that cause, and 1,000 United Ways across America are helping people be healthier and more productive."

A core component of the partnership will be developing public outreach on health literacy for key United Way partners, such as community organizations and agencies, local governments, healthcare providers and others. FamilyWize will also create tools that United Ways can provide to partner agencies to help them distribute free prescription savings cards and information about prescription assistance.

"Working with nearly 1,000 United Ways, the partnership promotes a variety of grassroots initiatives," said Susan Gilmore, executive director of community engagement, FamilyWize. "These initiatives include health and financial resources for families and individuals through FamilyWize.org, which features links to local health departments, community centers, food banks and pantries, utility companies and housing assistance organizations."

More information:

FamilyWize.org

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