Today many Americans find themselves struggling to pay for their medications, unfortunately leading to difficult choices between paying for food, rent, or prescriptions. Luckily pharmaceutical companies and other organizations are aware of this fact, and doing what they can to help alleviate costs for those struggling financially. For many drugs that may seem too expensive to afford there are Patient Assistance Programs (PAPs). These programs offer the drugs at little to no cost to the consumer.
Finding a Program for your Medication:
To apply for a PAP, first make sure one is available for your medication. You can look up each PAP alphabetically on the NeedyMeds site here. There are both brand name and generics listed. Once you find your drug, click on the name of the medication to get to the program details page. Here all of the contact information for the program is listed, along with the application form. You will need to contact the program directly to apply.
Eligibility Requirements:
Every Patient Assistance Program has it’s own set of guidelines and requirements. Most programs require that you are a legal United States resident. Many of them also have an income requirement and ask for a tax return or pay stub to prove your income level. Another common requirement is a diagnosis. If you are taking a medication for off-label use you may be out of luck. It is also common for the program to only accept uninsured or underinsured patients, or those on Medicare part D.
Application:
Once you have called the program and discussed your eligibility, the next step is to download and complete an application form. Most applications are number of pages long, with portions for both you and your doctor to complete. Be sure to double-check your application before sending it in, as mistakes on the form can cause for a delay in receiving your medication. Most programs take 1-2 weeks to determine if you are accepted, with another 1-2 weeks for delivery of the medication.
Extra tips:
We recommend contacting the program even if you do not meet the eligibility requirements – in many instances they will allow you to enter the program. When speaking with a call center representative always be courteous, they get many calls every day and being friendly is always a welcome approach.
12 Comments
The pain med Zohydra 10mg I have been taking for about 4 months bid I was also given a Zohydra discount card to use, but every ttime I use it the anount owed goes up, plus my health saving’sard from my huband, we been using for copays in such is completely maxed out. W e alsohave other meds ro worry about, so I’m hoping to get some help with this medicince.
Lisa, give us a call at 800-503-6897 and let’s see how we can help!
Was wondering if you have an actual coupon i can use at the pharmacy to get a discount on prepopik? I had one last uear when i had to have colon surgery. I now have to have another colonoscopy and need prepopik again. It was for $ 40.00 off. Thank you.
Thanks for reaching out Brenda. It looks like there are a couple coupons available here – https://www.needymeds.org/coupons.taf?_function=name_list&gname=sodium%20picosulfate-magnesium%20oxide-anhydrous%20citric%20acid
If you need any other assistance don’t hesitate to give us a call at (800) 503-6897!
I am needing help paying for my medication.i am tak8ng Buprenorphine Hal naloxone chi for opioid and drug addiction I was on the subsolv and was paying over 540 dollars per month and was switched to generic tablet because they were cheaper.. I am paying 54 dollars now for ten pills 8mg and is only a 5 day supply.. So it’s better than 540 but still around 325 per month. I am a single parent of two and low income. I do have Michigan medicade with Meridian but they wont cover my medication. without a pre authorization from my doctor. I don’t know anything about this I moved here from Va not to long ago to get help from my family with my wanting to quit using. Can I get some coupons or help somehow in paying for my medicine?? Please help and thank you in advance
Thanks for reaching out Dawn. Here is a coupon/co-pay program for Buprenorphine Naloxone – https://www.needymeds.org/coupons.taf?_function=name_list&gname=buprenorphine%20and%20naloxone
For any other assistance don’t hesitate to give our helpline a call at (800) 503-6897.
Hep-c patient I need a medication for this condition to have a treatment. No matter which medication is. Mavyret, esclusa.,zepatier. If you can help me I will be thankful
Thanks for reaching out Miguel. Here is our Diagnosis information page on Hep C that has all of the medications with programs listed – https://www.needymeds.org/drp.taf?filename=hepatitis-c.htm
If you need any more assistance don’t hesitate to give our toll free helpline a call at (800) 503-6897.