Drugmakers offer help for the uninsured

As the number of uninsured Americans skyrockets (45 million at latest count) and the cost of prescription drugs soars, the concept of equal access for all to quality health care begins to look more like skywriting than a viable objective.

Now some of the giant pharmaceutical companies have banded together to create a discount program for those who don't have coverage and meet certain age and income requirements. If you qualify, you can enroll on the website, www.TogetherRxAccess.com. Or call 800-444-4106. Or pick up enrollment forms at participating pharmacies and doctors' offices. Starting the middle of next month, you'll be able to save 25 to 40 percent on many medicines.

It's great to see the big guys reaching out. And I hate to be cynical, but my guess is this an intelligent marketing move designed to prevent the government from crashing down on them for their exorbitant pricing strategies. What about all the people with health insurance but not drug coverage who do have to pay those prices? What about the insurance companies? How are they going to feel about this?

Guess we'll see what happens.