DEADLINE NEARS FOR REFUNDS FOR CANCER-FIGHTING DRUGS

HARRISBURG, Nov. 20, 2003 – Consumers who were prescribed the cancer-fighting drug Taxol or its generic equivalent Paclitaxel may be entitled to a share of a legal settlement, according to state Sen. Connie Williams.

The deadline to submit a claim is Jan. 31, 2004.

Refunds are the result of a lawsuit between Attorneys Generals from 49 states and the U.S. Territories and Bristol-Myers Squibb, the drug manufacturer. Settlement was announced in April and as of November, only 61 Pennsylvanians had applied for reimbursement.

“People diagnosed with cancer have a significant fight ahead,” Williams said. “They shouldn’t have to worry if the company providing their drugs are billing consumers correctly.”

According to the agreement, consumers who were charged a copayment for the drugs will receive a $525 refund. Uninsured patients will receive a $438 refund per treatment.

Refunds are available to residents who:

• Received Taxol or Paclitaxel from Jan. 1, 1999 through Feb. 28, 2003.
• Were charged a copayment by their insurance provider for the drugs or did not have insurance coverage and paid for the drugs on their own.
• Are the legal representative of a deceased patient who paid for all or part of the drug treatments during the three-year period.

Submit reimbursement claims by Jan. 31, 2004.

Claims forms can be obtained by calling (800) 659-7609, or by visiting www.taxolsettlement.com. Additional information is available by visiting the attorney general’s site at www.attorneygeneral.gov.