Patient assistance programs (PAPs) are an often overlooked means of lessening the burden of RA medication costs. These programs are not maintained by the government or health insurance companies, but instead are sponsored by the pharmaceutical companies that produce the medications.
Established to provide coverage for those in need of financial assistance, PAPs may provide free or low-cost medications to patients who meet eligibility criteria. These criteria vary by company and medication, and are usually based on individual or family income level, as well as other forms of financial reimbursement that you may be receiving.
PAPs can be a tremendous help for those who need assistance paying for costly medications. However, it is important to understand that aid offered by these programs is not a right. This is why there is no appeal process for rejected applications.
To apply for a PAP, you will usually need to provide financial documents such as your tax returns, W-2 forms, Social Security statements and bank statements. Applications also often require the signature of the physician prescribing the medication for which you are requesting assistance.
Pharmaceutical-Sponsored Reimbursement Support Services
Many drug manufacturers offer services to help you navigate the complex world of health insurance and reimbursement. These programs can help your physician’s office evaluate the products that your health insurance company covers, as well as help you appeal any denials for coverage that you may receive.
Some manufacturers provide additional assistance to patients through these services, including assistance paying for co-payments or co-insurance.
Grants and Foundations
In addition to PAPs and government-sponsored programs, disease-specific foundations are another underutilized source of patient financial assistance. These foundations can provide co-pay assistance or other means of financial support, such as covering costs of medical supplies and services, to people with a specific disease or category of disease (e.g., rheumatologic). These organizations are worth investigating, both as primary and supplemental means of assistance.
Because navigating the financial costs associated with RA treatment can be so difficult, there are a number of organizations with Web sites dedicated to helping patients find coverage for the medicines they need. If financial assistance is available for you – through a government-sponsored program, one of the hundreds of PAPs, or a grant or foundation – we’ll help you find it. Start finding the support to pay for your RA medications now, with our guide to patient assistance programs. For government-sponsored medical coverage and assistance (including Medicare and Medicaid), be sure to look through our guide to government-sponsored programs.
