Pfizer offers free drugs to recently unemployed

Global drugs leviathan Pfizer has launched a program to help eligible unemployed Americans and their families who have lost their health  insurance maintain access to their Pfizer medicines for free. The  inspiration for the new program, called MAINTAIN (Medicines Assistance  for Those who Are in Need), was generated by Pfizer employees who were  witnessing friends, family and neighbors struggle to make ends meet  after losing their jobs, the firm says.

The program, which applies regardless of prior family income, will be  open for enrollment through December 31, 2009, is open to eligible  Americans who have become unemployed since January 1 this year. Nearly  46 million Americans lack health insurance coverage, and that number is  increasing as unemployment rates reach their highest levels in 25 years.