(MoneyHippo.com) – Prescription drugs are expensive, especially if you have no insurance to mitigate the costs. Even if you have coverage through work or a government-subsidized insurance policy, the safety net doesn’t always prevent you from paying out-of-pocket costs. Luckily, there are patient assistance programs (PAPs) available to help.
Drug manufacturers typically sponsor these measures, giving Americans the opportunity to have access to their treatments. Nonprofits and states offer them as well. PAPs aim to minimize the cost to patients.
Because there are many different types of assistance, qualifications vary, but general requirements include proof that you are either uninsured or underinsured, currently a legal “US or Puerto Rico” resident, and fall below specific annual income parameters. If you qualify and the plan includes the medication, the program will pick up some or all of the drug costs. When signing up, read all the applicable information, including which prescriptions the plan covers and when you expect assistance.
Some programs that save patients big money include RxAssist, GoodRx, GSK for You, Pfizer PAP Connect, and PAN Foundation.
To see if you can get help to afford specialty medications, contact the drug manufacturer and ask if they have a PAP available.
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