|
What are They?
The pharmaceutical industry has a
long tradition of providing prescription medicines free of charge
to patients who might not otherwise have access to necessary
medicines. Generally, a patient assistance program provides
prescription medicines to patients who do not have prescription
drug coverageor who are underinsured through either private and/or government
health plans.
Are there any Special Qualifications to Enter a Patient Assistance Program?
The patient assistance programs listed at www.helpingpatients.org are run by the individual companies
sponsoring the program. Each company determines the eligibility
criteria for its program. Eligibility criteria and the application
processes vary. Basic eligibility criteria generally involve income
requirements, family size, and status of insurance coverage for
prescription drugs.
How do I Know I Meet the Criteria ?
Doctors and patients should go to www.helpingpatients.org to determine eligibility. Physicians
and/or patients must contact each company directly for more
information on eligibility and to receive an application form for
the program.
Where do I get more Information? Where can I find out which Drugs are Covered
in a Patient Assistance Program?
Products that are included in each company's program are listed on www.helpingpatients.org. To be sure a product is
covered by a program, the patient or physician should contact the company
directly. If a particular medicine is not listed in PhRMA's
directory, the drug may not be available under this program or may
not be manufactured by a company belonging to PhRMA. PhRMA does not
have access to information about patient assistance programs offered
by non-member companies.
For more information on non-member
programs, contact the following websites:
www.benefitscheckuprx.org, www.rxhope.com, www.medicare.gov, www.medicinebridge.com
How do People find more Information About these Programs?
To make it easier for physicians and patients to find the right program, the
Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America has introduced,
www.helpingpatients.org.
This website lists more than 1,400 medicines from more than 140 company-sponsored programs
and more than 185 government and private programs. PhRMA also publishes a
directory that lists company-sponsored programs. For copies of the
directory, caIl 1-800-762-4636 or go to
www.helpingpatients.org.
|
