Are you one of those affected finding it difficult to afford your medication? Patient Assistance Programs might be the answer!
Patient Assistance Programs
You’re not alone, and we’re here to help!
A recent Gallup poll found that at least 18 million adults in the US struggled to pay for their prescription medication. Approximately 10% of those polled admitted to skipping meds to try and save money.
Meanwhile, drug prices continue to escalate. As of 2023, the average price for prescription medication increased by more than 15% over the previous year.
That’s where patient assistance programs can be a lifesaver.
What Are Patient Assistance Programs?
Patient Assistance Programs (PAPs) are designed to help those who cannot afford the medications they need. They provide free or significantly reduced-cost medications to anyone who meets eligibility criteria.
These programs are sponsored by pharmaceutical companies, non-profit organizations, and even state governments.
This guide will help walk you through some of your options – so you can get the help you need to stay healthy.
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Manufacturers Patient Assistance Programs
Many pharmaceutical companies offer patient assistance programs for the drugs they manufacture. Here are a few of the most popular:
- Gilead Advancing Access Program – Helps patients access their HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) medications if they have limited or no insurance.
- Lilly Cares Patient Assistance Program – For eligible patients who are struggling to afford some of their medications, such as insulin products.
- Pfizer Patient Assistance Program – To help patients with certain chronic diseases, such as cancer and rheumatoid arthritis, access their medications at a reduced cost.
- Merck Patient Assistance Programs – Free medications and adult vaccines to qualified individuals.
- Novo Nordisk Patient Assistance Programs – Assist eligible patients access insulin and other medications.
- AstraZeneca Together Healthcare Program – Offers financial assistance for certain medications to patients facing financial hardship.
- Sanofi Patient Assistance Programs – To help provide access to medications for conditions like diabetes and multiple sclerosis.
If you are interested in getting help for a specific medication you take, check with the manufacturer first to see if they have an assistance program that might work for you.
Non-Profit Patient Assistance Programs
While manufacturer PAPs focus on specific medications, non-profit organizations offer broader assistance for a wider range of needs.
There are some excellent online resources such as RxAssist or NeedyMeds to help you find great non-profit PAPs.
Here are a few to get you started:
- Patient Access Network (PAN) Foundation – Provides free or low-cost medications to qualified individuals with chronic, life-threatening, or debilitating conditions.
- HealthWell Foundation – Assists with medications related to specific diseases, like cancer, chronic inflammatory diseases, and rare conditions.
- National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) – Connects patients with rare diseases to programs that can help with necessary medications.
- Alliance for Patient Access – Provides a copay assistance program to help with medications for various chronic health conditions.
- Patient Advocate Foundation – A non-profit organization that connects patients to various patient assistance programs across the US.
- The National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics – Can help you locate free clinics and medication resources in your area.
Other non-profit patient advocate organizations may also be able to help.
For example, groups such as the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA), the American Lung Association, and the American Diabetes Association offer support, and provide resources for accessing medications.
State Patient Assistance Programs
Your state may have excellent PAPs that are exclusively for residents.
The National Conference of State Legislatures has put together a comprehensive list of resources to help you find what is available in your state.
Children and Elderly Patient Assistance Programs
There are a few programs that cater specifically to certain age brackets, such as children and the elderly.
- RxHope – Helps children obtain critical medications they need, regardless of their family’s financial situation.
- Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals – CMN Hospitals raise funds to help cover treatment costs for children, including medications, at their member hospitals across North America.
- Medicare Extra Help Program – Can help low-income people over age 65 pay for prescription drugs.
General Discount Cards
Most PAPs have some form of income eligibility requirements, so not everyone qualifies.
Luckily, there are also discount drug programs open to anyone who wants to join. Here are a few of our favorites:
- HSAAdvantagRX – A FREE discount prescription drug card for your family and pets that can save you up to 80%.
- GoodRx – A popular option offering discounts at over 70,000 pharmacies nationwide.
- WellRx – Provides significant savings on all brand name and generic medications.
- Blink Health – A mail-order pharmacy service with great prices and home delivery.
- Walmart + CarePass – This paid membership program offers discounts on medications as well as other benefits like gas discounts and free grocery delivery.
- Honeybee Health – A discount card from a national pharmacy wholesaler offers savings at independent pharmacies across the country.
Don’t forget to read the fine print!
Each program has its own perks and benefit details. Make sure you understand each program’s terms before applying.
Also, keep in mind you aren’t limited to just one discount program.
Sometimes you need to compare prices and combine benefits to get the best deal.
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Stay Positive
Finding affordable health care isn’t easy, especially if you need monthly medication.
It’s important to keep an open mind and focus on solutions. The resources are out there, and there is hope.
Patient Assistance Programs provide a lifeline for those in need of affordable prescription medication. But there may also be other ways you can improve your health and reduce your medical expenses.
For help finding a health plan – whether it’s a health sharing plan or a traditional health insurance plan – that fits your needs and budget, reach out to a Personal Benefits Manager today. They will help you find the best plans for you and your family.
For Further Reading: Prescription Medicine Under Healthshare Plans | Find The Best Available Prices for Your Prescription Drugs! | How You Can Use Your HSA to Pay for Nutritional Supplements
