Patient Assistance Programs
NOTE: Glossary words are highlighted. Click on any glossary word to see its definition.
What is a Patient Assistance Program (PAP)?
A Patient Assistance Program (PAP) is a drug company program that provides free or low cost prescription drugs to patients who cannot afford them. All major drug companies have patient assistance programs. All of the name brand drugs that are most often prescribed by doctors are available. Generic drugs are also available.
Each drug company has its own patient assistance program for the medicines it manufactures. Eligibility requirements vary from one program to another.
Am I eligible?
Each drug company has its own eligibility requirements.
In most cases, you can get help from a patient assistance program if:
Patient assistance programs help people of all ages, including children. Some programs help people on Medicare, but others do not.
What benefits will I get?
If you qualify for a patient assistance program:
- You will get your prescription medicine free of charge or at low cost.
- Your medicine will either be sent to your home, your doctor's office, or your pharmacy, depending on the program.
- You can usually get refills for up to a year before reapplying.
How do I apply?
To apply for a patient assistance program, you must send an application to the company that makes the prescription drug that you need. If you need several drugs made by different manufacturers, you must apply to each drug company.
Most applications have a section for you to fill out and a section for your doctor to fill out. You must include proof of income. Most programs require you to reapply each year.
Several nonprofit organizations have free Patient Assistance Program information web sites to help you find and apply for patient assistance programs. On these web sites, you can:
- check if the prescription drugs you need are available from patient assistance programs
- identify the drug manufacturers
- screen for eligibility
- print applications and instructions
If you have questions about Patient Assistance Programs, you can call MassMedLine at 1-866-633-1617.
Patient Assistance Program web sites
Patient Assistance Program web sites that offer free information include:
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NeedyMeds.org
NeedyMeds.org is a private nonprofit web site that lets you search for patient assistance programs by drug name. For each drug on the list, NeedyMeds.org gives the program name, phone number, application link, eligibility guidelines, application requirements, and program details.
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Partnership for Prescription Assistance (PPA)
The Partnership for Prescription Assistance (PPA) is a joint effort of American drug companies, medical organizations, and government agencies to inform patients about patient assistance programs. The PPA offers a toll-free helpline as well as an online application wizard and program information.
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RxAssist
RxAssist is a nonprofit PAP information center run by Volunteers in Health Care. RxAssist lets you search for patient assistance programs by drug name (brand name or generic) or by company name. For each program, RxAssist provides contact information, eligibility requirements, and how to apply.
Are there other places to get low cost prescription drugs?
Several retail chains have pharmacy programs with low-cost 30-day and 90-day supplies of generic drugs. Retail store programs include:
Patient Assistance Programs section last updated on 4/20/10
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