Guest post – Rachel Thorpe, Executive Director – Otsuka Patient Assistance Foundation, Inc. Patients face many hurdles when striving for good health, from ensuring they schedule regular checkups to taking any prescriptions as directed. For people who are uninsured or whose insurer doesn’t cover certain medications, affording those prescribed medicines can be challenging. Fortunately, patient assistance programs (PAPs) exist to help bridge these gaps. Often run by a pharmaceutical manufacturer, PAPs provide individuals with limited or no prescription drug coverage who also fall below certain income thresholds with access to the medicines they need. All too often, however, patient applications […]

November is National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about Alzheimer’s disease and supporting the millions of Americans affected by this devastating condition. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, more than 6 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s, and this number is projected to rise to nearly 13 million by 2050. For those managing Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, medications can help slow cognitive decline and manage symptoms—but the cost can be prohibitive. The price of Alzheimer’s medications, particularly newer formulations and brand-name drugs, has become a significant barrier to care for many patients and their […]

November is Diabetes Awareness Month, and we’re continuing our series on resources available to those affected by diabetes. While [Part 1 focused on medication assistance programs], today we’re exploring the broader support ecosystem – programs that address the many facets of living with diabetes beyond just medication costs. Living with diabetes involves more than managing blood sugar and taking medication. It’s about navigating insurance complexities, affording essential medical equipment, and sometimes even training a four-legged companion to help save your life. The good news? There are programs designed to help with each of these challenges. Financial Assistance Programs Comprehensive Support […]

November is National Epilepsy Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about epilepsy and supporting the millions of Americans living with seizure disorders. According to the CDC, approximately 3.4 million Americans have active epilepsy—2.9 million adults and 470,000 children. For those managing epilepsy, anti-seizure medications are often essential for controlling seizures and maintaining quality of life—but the cost can be overwhelming. The price of anti-seizure medications, particularly newer formulations and brand-name drugs, has become a significant barrier to care for many patients. Some people reduce their doses, skip medications, or go without treatment entirely due to cost. This is […]