Viewpoint

The following was written in response to an article in
“The Wall Street Journal,” Thursday, December 1, 2005
Written by Dana Kuhn, PhD, President Patient Services Inc., Midlothian, VA

“I take issue with your portrayal of Patient Services Inc. as a money making scheme for drug makers and your portrayal of drug makers as developing and pricing drugs beyond the affordability of most Americans, capitalizing upon the misfortune of the chronically ill [“Support System: Through Charities, Drug Makers Help People-And Themselves,” Page one, December 1, 2005].

Patient Services Inc. (PSI), a bona fide charity, operates independently from the influence of drug makers and isn’t a “pass-through organization.” With our positive Office of Inspector General’s opinion, PSI championed advocating for charities to satisfy the Medicare part D “donut hole” out-of-pocket for beneficiaries. Using donated dollars to help people with expensive chronic illnesses afford their co-payments for prescriptions is our mission. Drugs are expensive, insurance premiums have skyrocketed and health insurance fails to provide sufficient reimbursement for the average American. As a result, millions of Americans with chronic illnesses are uninsured, in debt, or have gone bankrupt. Our health-care system, insurance reimbursement model and the high cost of prescription drugs represent a derisory system. PSI is the “golden standard” solution for this dilemma.

Drug makers incur research and development costs to produce state-of-the-art drugs and treatments that society aggressively demands. While these drugs provide better health, longevity, improved quality of life and partial cures, the costs can force difficult financial sacrifices for patients. Drug makers understand this derisory system and in order to help mend it, they become altruistic and donate to charities like PSI.

ABOUT PSI PSI, a national nonprofit organization that serves all 50 states, locates health insurance policies and subsidizes the high cost of health insurance premiums, pharmacy and treatment co-payments. PSI also assists with Medicare part D co-insurance. Those who suffer from chronic illnesses, including patients with hemophilia, are eligible to apply for assistance from PSI, regardless of income. Dana Kuhn founded PSI in 1989. Dana has severe hemophilia A. For more information or to apply for assistance from PSI, call 800-366-7741. The Delaware Valley Chapter provides financial support to Patient Services Incorporated for the good work they do on behalf of patients with bleeding disorders in the Delaware Valley area.

The healthcare and reimbursement system needs to be reformed. Until then, PSI is offering an independent, legal and unique solution. Instead of questioning the legitimate way PSI independently uses donations from drug companies and their motives, kudos should be given to altruistic donors and charities trying to fix the system and focusing on saving lives.”

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