The Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA), an association of American drug and biotechnology companies, maintains an online directory of Patient Assistance Programs (PAPs). Drug companies offer PAPs in order to provide free or discounted medication for individuals who are: uninsured; underinsured; or ineligible for government assistance with prescription drug costs, such as Medi-Cal (California’s Medicaid program) and Medicare.

HISTORY

Since 1997, PhRMA has developed a directory of PAPs that provide free or discounted medicine to individuals who lack adequate prescription drug coverage.

PhRMA and its member companies launched HelpingPatients.org – an online directory of Patient Assistance Programs. Each directory listing contains information on the specific PAP, along with a list of prescription drugs covered by that program. Helping Patients.org directs individuals to appropriate PAPs.

FINANCIAL ELIGIBILITY

Each Patient Assistance Program in the PhRMA directory has a separate application. Financial eligibility requirements vary from program to program. Some programs require individuals to meet certain income requirements while others do not. Individuals should check with each PAP for financial eligibility requirements.

RESIDENCY REQUIREMENTS

Depending upon the Patient Assistance Program, individuals may be required to be either a U.S. resident or citizen. Individuals should check with each PAP for information on residency requirements.

MEDICAL ELIGIBILITY

Patient Assistance Programs in the PhRMA directory may require an individual to have a particular diagnosis to receive assistance through their program. Other PAPs require an individual to work with a U.S. based physician. There are no standard medical eligibility requirements among PAPs. Individuals should check with each PAP for eligibility requirements.

BENEFIT

The Patient Assistance Programs in the PhRMA directory provide free and discounted medication to uninsured and underinsured individuals who lack adequate prescription drug coverage. This may include Medicare and Medi-Cal beneficiaries and individuals who have private health insurance without prescription coverage.

PhRMA’s directory - HelpingPatients.org - contains information on:

• Drugs covered in PAPs;
• Eligibility requirements for PAPs;
• Physician requests; and
• Company contact information.

To receive a PhRMA directory call (800) 762-4636 (voice).

PhRMA’s website has a tool called an “Eligibility Wizard” that helps individuals locate local PAPs.

Before searching for a Patient Assistance Program, make sure to have the following information available:

• Age;
• State of residence;
• Estimated gross annual household income;
• Name of the prescription medicine(s) needed; and
• Type of health insurance and/or prescription drug coverage (if applicable).

APPLICATION

Individuals must submit a separate application for each prescription requested in a Patient Assistance Program. Most PAPs in the PhRMA directory require an individual to enroll in the PAP through a physician. Although most PAPs require applications to be completed by physicians, some will allow an individual or a family member to submit an application separately.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• A list of available discounted and free prescriptions are available in the PhRMA directory.
• Most manufacturers distribute medication through an individual’s physician.
• Additional information about PAPs in the PhRMA directory and eligibility requirements can be obtained on the PhRMA website.