PHARMACEUTICAL COMPANIES' PATIENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS

As many of you are no doubt aware, one way for patients to get drug payment assistance is directly from the pharmaceutical company that manufactures the drug(s). Pharmaceutical companies do provide large amounts of free drugs, but the process is complicated and time-consuming. Also not all drugs are available through these programs. Each program requires a unique application that generally asks about financial and medical need. The application must be signed by the physician. Usually the approval is for a limited supply of the medication. The sites below provide information on these programs, eligibility and application information. We invite you to explore and then let us know which you find the most helpful.

http://www.medicare.gov/prescription/home.asp
Provides information on insurance options and programs that offer discounts or free medication. This includes Medicare managed care plans, Medigap plans and pharmaceutical companies' drug assistance programs. Can look up by manufacturer or disease.

http://www.phrma/org/searchcures/dpdpap
Lists company names and contact information. Gives basic level of information as to what drugs are covered and eligibility.

http://www.rxassist.org
Provides health care providers with information on accessing more than 100 pharmaceutical manufacturer's patient assistance programs. This site is currently experiencing problems due to the NIMBA worm and is down.
NOTE: This program also offers FREE patient tracking software at http://www.volunteersinhealthcare.org for those of you who manage many patients who use these programs.

http://www.rxhope.com/#
Requires registration - free, but must provide contact information to access database.

www.needymeds.com
This site was forwarded by a social worker within the deparment as another site to explore.

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