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):
- 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:
- Internet sites that have forms for PAPs include:
- 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.