What is patient assistance?

Patient assistance programs are designed by manufacturers and suppliers to help patients access the medication and supplies at a low cost. Usually, these patients come from low-income families or are unemployed. PAPs help to make prescribed medication and supplies completely or partially free.

PAPs may consider applications for assistance depending on the nature of patient need, insurance plan and ability to pay.

They have come under scrutiny because of their strict requirements and little concern for the cost of medication for higher income earners. Regardless of the criticism, PAPs have provided a source cost friendly medication.

Who may qualify for the PAP plan?

You will have to source for the specific details in order to make sure that you qualify for the particular plan.

These are some of the common eligibility requirements.

PAPs will require that patients provide sufficient proof of the need for a medical supply or prescription by providing a written down prescription or specific documents from your doctor.

You need to be a resident or citizen of the United States. Aside from this, other personal factors such as age, marital status, and family will not impact eligibility.

PAPs detail a financial guideline for eligibility, with most using the Federal Poverty Guideline. You will qualify by having an income lower than the specific program’s threshold level.

How do these programs provide assistance?

PAPs may offer reimbursements of the entire costs, or a percentage of the cost incurred when buying prescription medication. To qualify for a refund, you will need proof of purchase.

Some plans offer coupons, which the patient can use during purchase to receive a discount. These are restricted to specific outlets, which may require some type of identity verification.

They also offer direct discounts to specific pharmacies. Patients may receive discounts on specific purchases, ranging between 20{d3c60023947365f0952b5035a9683a235cbc7c14337ea22b03cb0529785b7564} and 100{d3c60023947365f0952b5035a9683a235cbc7c14337ea22b03cb0529785b7564}.

PAPs can also offer direct shipping of products and supplies to a patient’s home address.

Why a patient assistance program is necessary

Patient assistance programs help reduce the costs of medication for people who are unable to afford them. Uninsured and underinsured people, as well as those with low incomes,  can still get the medication they need because of these programs.

Since they do not restrict the number of conditions within which one may apply for a reduction in price, PAPs could help you to manage several diseases without having to cripple yourself financially. It will offer help paying for testosterone prescription, asthma medication and any other co-occurring conditions you may have.

Final thought

PAPs can be life-saving for people who may be unable to afford expensive prescriptions. They are easy to apply for and can contribute towards a reduction in the cost of multiple prescription entries.

If you are unable to afford your medication, you should contact your doctor for help in applying for patient assistance. They will provide the necessary documentation, as well as tips on how to improve your eligibility.