Patient Assistance Programs (PAPs)

Some pharmaceutical companies offer programs to help cover the cost of medications. These programs, called patient assistance programs (PAPs), provide free medications to people who cannot afford them. Although eligibility and instructions for enrollment in PAPs can vary from company to company, generally a patient must be a U.S. citizen or legal resident and must demonstrate financial need or lack insurance coverage.

PAPs may also help patients with Medicare D get medications during the period when you are required to pay the full cost (the “donut hole”). However, it is important to note that if you participate in a PAP, you’ll receive medications for free but you’ll still be responsible for the out-of-pocket costs associated with your Medicare Part D program. Please talk with your financial coordinator for more information.

To enroll, you will need to have your doctor complete and submit a program application. Once you are in the system, you should begin receiving regular shipments of your medications. The cost to you may be a small charge per shipment, but this too varies from company to company. Speak with your doctor or transplant financial coordinator for additional information.

To see a comprehensive list of PAP programs, please visit www.pparx.org or www.needymeds.net.

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