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What are Patient Assistant Programs (PAPs)? Many pharmaceutical companies offer PAPs. PAPs provide limited quantities of free or lowcost medications to those in need. PAPs are available only to low-income patients who do not have prescription coverage. All have income guidelines, but most use the Federal Poverty Guidelines. Each company establishes its own application process and selects which drugs are available on their programs and how long a person can receive assistance. The response time from application to delivery typically ranges from 2-6 weeks, depending on the program. How do PAPs work? Most require that the applicant submit an application form. The amount of information required varies. Some programs require detailed medical and financial information. A PAP may also require documentation (e.g., W-2, tax return) to verify the patient’s financial information. All require a doctor’s signature. Some programs require the doctor complete a portion of the form while others only need a signed prescription. Most send the medicines to the doctor’s office for distribution to patients, while others send the medicines directly to the patients. A few send a certificate or voucher for the patient to get the medicines from the pharmacy. Most programs send a 3-month supply of the medicine at a time. A new application is needed for refills. A few programs offer refills without a new application. How to learn more about PAPs? The best place to learn about PAPs is the Internet. You can find information on the specifics of the PAP or download an application form by logging on the following websites: www.needymeds.com self-funded and cofounded by Dr. Richard J. Sagall, MD www.rxassist.org sponsored by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation www.helpingpatients.org sponsored by the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) What is Prescription for Good Health? This is a program put together by the Columbus Medical Association Foundation to help eligible patients filling out the necessary paperwork for PAPs. You can find out if you qualify for Prescription for Good Health by calling 1-877-223-1505.
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