GlaxoSmithKline To Continue Patient Assistance Benefits to the Elderly and Disabled Not Enrolled in Medicare Part D

Company to Seek Government Guidance on Providing Benefits to Medicare Part D Patients

May 2, 2006 – Philadelphia, PA - With the May 15th Medicare Part D enrollment deadline fast approaching, GlaxoSmithKline (NYSE: GSK) today announced that the company will continue to offer its patient assistance programs (PAP) to elderly and disabled patients who qualify for, but have not enrolled in, the Medicare Part D prescription drug benefit.

In response to implementation of Medicare Part D and the issuance of the Office of Inspector General (OIG) Special Advisory Bulletin on Patient Assistance Programs, GSK had previously announced that Part D eligible patients would no longer qualify for the company’s Patient Assistance Programs after May 15, 2006, the initial enrollment deadline. In light of the recent OIG Advisory Opinion 06-03 clarifying potential legal exposure, GSK will continue to provide PAP assistance to those patients on GSK medicines who are not enrolled in Medicare Part D by the 15th.

GSK will ask the Office OIG of the Department of Health and Human Services for an opinion on the company’s proposal for providing patient assistance benefits to patients enrolled in Medicare Part D plans.

“The Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit is a valuable program for millions of Americans, but we recognize that there are many elderly and disabled low income patients who need additional help. That’s why we are continuing our patient assistance programs for patients who do not have Medicare Part D coverage,” said Chris Viehbacher, President of US Pharmaceuticals. “Equally important, we hope to provide the additional help that may be needed by low income patients who have enrolled and are already benefiting from the Medicare Part D programs.”

Effective immediately, GlaxoSmithKline’s Bridges to Access and Commitment to Access patient assistance programs will make the following changes for Medicare-eligible patients requesting drug assistance:

Patients who do not qualify for the Low Income Subsidy under the Federal Government’s new program and who have not enrolled in Medicare Part D will be able to continue to receive medicines through the company’s patient assistance programs, beyond the May 15th Part D enrollment deadline.

Patients who may be eligible for the Medicare Part D Low Income Subsidy will be required to apply for this benefit. GSK will continue to provide these patients with their medicines until a determination on their eligibility for this program is made and they are enrolled in Part D plans. Qualified patients who are eligible and begin receiving prescription benefit coverage through a Part D plan will not be eligible for GSK’s patient assistance programs.

Additionally, following a review by the OIG of the company’s proposed plans for providing assistance to Medicare Part D enrollees, GSK expects to announce further enhancements to its patient assistance programs.

GlaxoSmithKline will be sending letters to elderly and disabled patients who may qualify for Medicare Part D explaining the details of the enhanced benefits to its patient assistance programs. In the interim, Medicare eligible patients with questions on GSK;s patient assistance programs can call the company’s toll-free customer service center at 1-888-825-5249.

GlaxoSmithKline has a long tradition of providing free medicines to those who need help in getting their medicines. Last year, GSK provided more than 565,000 patients with $464 million of free medicines through its patient assistance programs that benefit low income patients of all ages.

About GlaxoSmithKline’s Patient Assistance Programs in the US

Bridges to Access

Bridges to Access provides out-patient medications to eligible low-income patients residing in the United Stateswho do not have prescription drug benefits. Bridges to Access (1-866-PATIENT) is the program for non-oncology products.

Commitment to Access


Through Commitment to Access, GlaxoSmithKline provides eligible low income patients with access to our oncology products that are used in an outpatient setting. We also provide reimbursement support services to help the patient find alternate funding sources for other healthcare services.

GlaxoSmithKline is one of the world’s leading research-based pharmaceutical and healthcare companies and is committed to improving the quality of human life by enabling people to do more, feel better and live longer.

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