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.

 

Below some of the large programs are identified.

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, be a legal U.S. resident, and meet income limits.

 

 

GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) continues to offer several Patient Assistance Programs. The GSK Access for seniors and the disabled enrolled in Medicare who are currently without public or private insurance coverage for prescription medicines and have incomes below $30,000 for a single and $40,000 for a couple (roughly 300% of the federal poverty level). The Orange Card is designed so participants will realize average savings of 30% off the usual price they pay for outpatient GSK medicines. The card is free. They also offer several other Patient Assistance Programs for those in need. Bridges to Access provides free medicines to eligible patients and Commitment to Access is a special oncology medicine program. These programs offer a short-term solution for patients without prescription drug coverage.

 

 

Novartis offers a Patient Assistance Program (PAP). It does not require Part D Plan enrollment patients are encouraged to consider the potential healthcare and financial benefits that these plans offer to them before determining not to enroll. To help assist PAP patients in understanding the Medicare Part D benefit and what Part D plan enrollment may offer to them, Novartis has set up a toll-free hotline to provide general information about the Part D benefit and can receive help in determining what plans are available to best meet their needs. Medicare beneficiaries who enroll in a Part D plan will have their requests for assistance evaluated individually, based on the particular Novartis product, specific circumstances and financial hardship experienced.

 

 

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 the person must be enrolled in Part D.

 

 

Merck provides medicine free of charge to eligible individuals, primarily the uninsured who, without assistance, could not afford needed Merck medicines. Individuals who don’t meet the income or insurance criteria may still qualify for the Merck Patient Assistance Program if both they and their physician attest that the patient has special circumstances of financial and medical hardship, and their income is not above a set upper limit. They also offer pharmacy discounts if you do not have prescription drug coverage. Enrollment in the pharmacy discount plan is free.

 

 

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 150 programs offered by pharmaceutical companies.
1-888-477-2669
(3/2008)

Medicine Program
a program providing discounts at certain participating pharmacies for goods and drugs. Program members receive a discount from those health care providers who have contracted with the discount plan organization. They contract with 35,000 participating pharmacies to help you save on your medication costs. They offer savings on diabetic supplies, medical equipment and medical supplies as well. There are no fees or qualifications except that you must provide a "story" which is a statement about your experience with the program. For those posting two "stories", there is a free 24 hour nurse hotline available. They also provide discounts at participating vendors for dental and vision services and supplies. (UnitedProject.org)
(3/2008)

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.
(3/2008)

Brochure About Needy Meds

Common Questions

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.
(3/2008)

Discount Drug Cards
a wealth of discount drug card information.
(3/2008)

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.
(3/2008)

Help With Paperwork - Local
a state specific list of local programs that will help you complete applications for patient assistance programs.
(3/2008)

Program List
a list of patient assistance programs with information on each program.
(3/2008)

State Programs
a state specific list of pharmaceutical programs with a description and contact information.
(3/2008)

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.
(3/2008)

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.
(3/2008)

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.
(3/2008)

Information for Patients (FAQs)
a summary of what Patient Assistance Programs are, how to access them, what requirements may be, how Medicare Part D may impact them, etc.
(3/2008)

Patient Assistance Program Eligibility Criteria and Medicare Part D
lists various programs and whether or not Part D enrollees may apply.
(3/2008)

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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