Engaging in Dialogue

At Abbott, we see a strong link between global citizenship and public policy. As a stakeholder in many global issues, it is important for companies like ours to be involved in the public policy process. Our role in this process varies from contributing information and expertise and convening forums and discussions, to briefing policymakers and advocating our point of view on issues. For us, participation in public policy dialogue is especially important on issues that influence patients' access to innovative medicines and affordable health care. We also believe it is vital to encourage open and respectful debate where all points of view inform policy decisions. In this regard, we work with governments, civil society organizations and business associations.

Pediatric HIV Briefing

In 2006, we supported the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation and the Global Health Council with a congressional briefing entitled "Equal Treatment for Children: Turning the Tide of the Pediatric AIDS Pandemic." We involved speakers from the Office of U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator, Baylor College of Medicine and the University of West Indies. This briefing helped raise awareness of the fact that less than 5 percent of the 2.3 million children living with HIV worldwide have access to medical treatment.

Health Policy Forums

Abbott sponsored the Global Health Council's (GHC) Policy Series, which brings together senior representatives of the U.S. government, corporations and nongovernmental organizations with global health experts in congressional briefings and policy discussion forums. Topics included: "The AIDS Response: From Policy to Practice, Building U.S. Support for Global Child Health", "Fighting Malaria Globally" and "The Health-Care Worker Crisis." These forums enable people with varying points of view to discuss and debate solutions to some of our world's most daunting social problems. Other sponsors of the GHC Policy Series include the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and the David and Lucile Packard Foundation.

Public-Private Partnerships

The Abbott Fund was invited to present a paper about lessons learned from public-private partnerships in public health at a meeting in Geneva, Switzerland of the Ministers of Health from the Commonwealth countries. These ministers were convening prior to the annual World Health Assembly, hosted by the World Health Organization. Our paper, entitled "The Abbott Fund and Public-Private Partnerships: Achieving Public Health Results," underscored the need for a high degree of collaboration among all sectors involved in public health – governments, NGOs, foundations, academia and companies – to address HIV/AIDS. More specifically, we cited our collaboration with the Government of Tanzania in helping strengthen its public health system and infrastructure as an example of strong public-private partnership.

Enhanced Access for Seniors

Since the rollout of Medicare prescription drug coverage in 2006 or “Medicare Part D”, the total number of people with Medicare now receiving comprehensive prescription drug coverage has grown to more than 39 million. The program has been a success by several measures. The average monthly premium for patients in Medicare Part D is $25 in 2008, far below the $41 originally predicted. Additionally, enrollees in the program have high rates of satisfaction – several polls from fall 2007 showed that between 83 and 89 percent of Part D participants are either “satisfied” or “very satisfied” with their coverage.

Abbott helped make the new drug prescription plan a success by mobilizing our employees to educate eligible seniors about the plan and its options, and to help them prepare to enroll. We also helped educate seniors about the new benefits available to them through Medicare, such s a "Welcome to Medicare" physical exam and screenings for a number of diseases, like diabetes and prostate cancer. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services recently announced that an outreach initiative for 2008 would focus on low-income seniors who have not yet enrolled. Many of these seniors may be eligible for a subsidy that greatly reduces out-of-pocket costs for medicines. Abbott fully supports this goal.

Political Contributions

Abbott participates in the political process by contributing to state and local candidates and political organizations that impact patients' access to affordable and innovative medicines, as well as our company's research and development initiatives. Contributions to office holders and candidates are bipartisan and based on several criteria: policy positions that reflect Abbott's interests; representation of geographic areas where Abbott employees and facilities are located; relevant legislative committee assignments; ability to be elected; and need for financial assistance. Abbott reviews and approves all corporate political contributions to ensure these contributions are consistent with our guidelines and in accordance with applicable laws.

2006 Political Contributions (to be updated)