Patient Assistance Program (PAP)

Patient assistance programs are set up by pharmaceutical companies to provide free or low-cost medicines to people who cannot afford them. Most brand name medicines are included in these programs. Companies offer these programs voluntarily. The government is not required to provide them with free medicine. Almost all major pharmaceutical companies offer patient assistance programs. PAPs are sometimes called drug assistance programs, poverty drug programs, or charitable drug programs.

The mission of Allied Pharmacy is to improve patient health through a rigorous commitment to excellence. This is accomplished by educating and engaging patients.

Who is the target audience?

These programs do not have uniform admission criteria. Different pharmaceutical companies may have different rules. Typically, a person should:

• Be a U.S. citizen or legal resident
• does not have prescription insurance
• low income

Note:

Some companies will accept a letter of complaint or letter of medical need from your doctor if you are slightly over the income limit. The letter should also explain your financial difficulties. How long will it take?

Requesting help is basically free. Patient assistance program one-time processing fee may apply, but you can get a refund if you can’t find the help you need. If the program has a cost, it will appear on the pharmaceutical company’s profile for the drug in question. A Copay of up to $25 may be charged if you get your medication from your local pharmacy. This is imposed by the pharmacy you work for, not the pharmaceutical company.

How do I apply?

• Talk to your doctor about applying
• Obtain an application form directly from the pharmaceutical company
• Seek help from a social worker or pharmacist