This section provides general information for the individual just familiarizing themselves to PAPs, both as a Provider and as a Patient, including how programs are structured and websites to get information from specific organizations.

• Pharmaceutical manufacturers offer programs that provide medications to eligible individuals (patients) for free or at a reduced cost.
  
  
• These programs are promoted by pharmaceutical manufacturers as one of their charitable efforts.
  
  
• Pharmaceutical manufacturers' patient assistance programs (PAPs):
  • aid indigent patients
• PAPs have varying eligibility criteria and requirements for enrollment:
  • Criteria is established by the pharmaceutical manufacturer who sponsors the program.
  • Income limitations vary between programs.
  • Many will not accept individuals who have medication coverage (insurance, etc), however, some will.
  • Each manufacturer has its own processes for patient enrollment that typically require completing an application and reporting patient's health insurance coverage, assets, salary, and liabilities.
  • Many manufacturers require verification of patients' financial status by certain documents including tax returns, W-2 forms, social security benefits, bank statements, and other asset reports.
  • Once verification is received by the manufacturer it is then evaluated and patient's eligibility is determined.
  • A prescription for the medication is usually required.
  • The prescribing physician's signature and other involvement by the physician is required.
• Internet sites that have information about PAPs include:
  • Rx Assist
  • Needy Meds
  • Rx Hope
  • Partnership for Prescription Assistance
  • The Medicine Program
  • Free Medicine Program
• Internet sites that have forms for PAPs include:
  • Rx Assist
  • Needy Meds
  • Rx Hope

• Patients' responsibility:
  • to honestly and accurately complete application forms.
  • to report all income, asset, liability and other information as requested.
  • to complete and send all paperwork in a timely manner.
  • to be in need of the medication and not receive medication that is not intended for the patient's use.
  • to understand that PAPs are not intended to be used forever and more permanent sources of obtaining medications should be sought out.
  • to understand that it may take several weeks to receive medication after qualifying for a PAP.