Drug Company Assistance Programs (Pharmaceutical Companies)

 

Pharmaceutical drug company programs were encouraged to continue to provide assistance to seniors even with the initiation of the Medicare Prescription Drug Program - Part D. Some responded. Typically, the new requirements for enrollment are income based and hinge on whether or not the person is covered by Part D. Even if a senior is covered by Medicare, there are times when Medicare does not cover needed prescription drugs. Should this occur, call the manufacturer of the needed drug to see if the person would qualify on a short-term basis or if there are other ways the company could help with access.

 

Some of the large programs are identified below. Other companies may have similar programs. Be sure to check.

TogetherRX Access is sponsored by some of the world’s largest pharmaceutical companies and was created to help qualified individuals and families without prescription drug coverage to save on prescription drugs and other prescription products. To qualify, an individual must not be eligible for Medicare, have no other public or private drug coverage, and meet income limits.

 

 

GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) continues to offer a variety of Patient Assistance Programs. These programs offer assistance to those having difficulty paying for GSK medicines and/or paying for the co-payments needed to access them.

 

 

Novartis offers a dedicated website called Patient Assistance NOW that allows users to access programs that may help pay for Novartis medicines.  They provide support for uninsured patients and help educate patients and caregivers about Novartis and other programs to help both insured and uninsured patients access Novartis medicines.

 

 

Eli Lilly offers a Patient Assistance Program that provides eligible Medicare recipients access to affordable medications outside of their Medicare Part D plan. There are income requirements and other eligibility requirements.

 

 

Merck provides medicine free of charge to eligible individuals, primarily the uninsured who, without assistance, could not afford needed Merck medicines. Their Program now includes individuals who are experiencing a temporary financial situation, due to unemployment or other reasons.

 

 

Other pharmaceutical companies offer discounts and/or free prescription drugs. Many of these programs require that your physician submit the forms. However, by becoming informed about what is available and helping your physician locate available resources, you have a better chance of getting some of their valuable time.

Partnership for Prescription Assistance
brings together America’s pharmaceutical companies, doctors, other health care providers, patient advocacy organizations and community groups to help qualifying patients who lack prescription coverage get the medicines they need through the public or private program that’s right for them. Many will get them free or nearly free. The Partnership offers a single point of access to more than 475 public and private patient assistance programs, including more than 200 programs offered by pharmaceutical companies.
1-888-477-2669
(8/2010)

Needy Meds
a non-profit that identifies, at no charge, pharmaceutical manufacturers that have special programs to assist people who can’t afford to buy the drugs they need. The information is easily accessed by the cross-referencing of information on drugs and their manufacturers. The drug companies are not charged to have their information posted. No personal information or registration is required to access the information.
(8/2010)

Brochure About Needy Meds

Common Questions

First Time Users - How to Find What You Need

Company List
a list of pharmaceutical companies that provide patient assistance complete with a wealth of information to each one and a link to each company's website.
(8/2010)

Discount Drug Cards
a wealth of discount drug card information.
(8/2010)

Disease Based Assistance
identifies programs to help with obtaining prescription drugs needed for specific diseases. The information includes a summary, area covered, and contact information.
(8/2010)

Free and Low Cost Clinics
a database identifying free or low cost clinics with a sliding scale based on income.  Find by zip code or map.  Find clinics, contact information, eligibility, and other relevant information.
(8/2010)

Help With Paperwork and Applications - Local
a state specific list of local programs that will help you complete applications for patient assistance programs.
(8/2010)

Program List
a list of patient assistance programs with information on each program.
(8/2010)

State Programs
a state specific list of pharmaceutical programs with a description and contact information.
(8/2010)

Pfizer Helpful Answers
participates in the Partnership for Prescription Assistance Program (above). They also offer various discount programs through physicians, hospitals, and community health centers.
1-866-706-2400.
(8/2010)

Pfizer Helpful Answers - Overview of Programs
an online resource to help low-income individuals who are having trouble getting needed Pfizer medications enrolled in appropriate patient assistance programs.
(8/2010)

Program Summaries
lists all the Pfizer Programs, Pfizer Affiliate Programs, and Government Programs with information about each one and a link to applications.
(8/2010)

RxAssist
a database of drug company patient assistance programs complete with a compilation of application criteria and forms for use by health care providers applying for free pharmaceuticals for their qualified uninsured patients. This program is supported by private foundations, corporate sponsorships, and private donations.
(8/2010)

RxAssist Prescription Drug Discount Program
information on how the program works, what savings can be expected, and where the card can be used.
(8/2010)

Patient Center Homepage
a central location to access patient information about Prescription Drug Programs and other resources.
(8/2010)

Database of Programs Search
search by drug or company.
(8/2010)

Resources for Providers and Advocates
a list of links to resources to help providers and/or advocates help patients with Prescription Assistance Programs.
(8/2010)

FAQs about PAPs
(8/2010)

Bottom line - any time you have a prescription drug need that you cannot manage, contact the pharmaceutical company that makes the needed drug. They may be able to help you. If not, contact your local Department of Social or Human Services to see what programs and assistance are available in your state.

 

 

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