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Common Questions About Prescription Programs
By Kirby Horton of Rx HELP
Common Questions about Prescription Assistance Programs
Q: What are Patient Assistance Programs?
A: Programs called PAPs (Patient Assistance Programs) provide free or low cost prescription medicine to low-income people who are uninsured or under-insured and meet the guidelines. Most are provided by the pharmaceutical companies who manufacture the medicine.
Q: Am I eligible for a patient assistance program if I am on Medicare? What if I am enrolled in a Part D drug plan?
A: Yes, some of the companies will help if you are enrolled in Part D. Generally you need to be in the donut hole or close to it.
Q: Do I have to be a resident of the US to use these programs?
A: Yes, most of the companies require US residency.
Q: My doctor either doesn't want to or doesn't have the time to complete the forms. What can I do?
A: A few suggestions that may help:
1. Make sure you fill out as much of the form as you can and all the material that the patient is responsible for completing.
2. Read over the doctor's portion and see if there is any information the doctor will need from you and have this ready.
3. Try to befriend a sympathetic staff member. Sometimes the staff is able to get the doctor to complete and sign the form.
4. Be sure your doctor knows your plight; that you may not be able to take your medicine because you can't afford to buy it.
5. Let the doctor know you understand how busy he/she is and that you appreciate the time it takes to complete the forms.
As a last resort, you may have to find another doctor who will be more helpful.
Q: Is there assistance available for smoking cessation?
A: Yes, there are several programs for this type of medication.
Common Questions about Medicare and Part D
Q: I am enrolled in Medicare Part D. Am I eligible for assistance?
A: Yes, some of the programs will help if you are enrolled in Part D. Generally you need to be in the donut hole or close to it.
Q: I am confused about Medicare Part D - where can I find help?
A. Every state has a State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIIP or SHIP). These are federally-funded health programs that provide health insurance counseling to Medicare recipients and their families. SHIP programs may have different names in different states (in Connecticut it's called "Choices"; in some states it's called Senior Health Insurance Assistance), but all do the same thing. They provide free one-on-one telephone counseling and advice services, personal face-to-face counseling sessions, public education programs and media presentations. Most SHIP counselors are volunteers who have received extensive training and are well versed with all facets of the Medicare program (including Part D), Medicaid, health insurance benefits, fraud and abuse.
Common Questions about Insurance and Co-pays
Q: I have insurance and can still not afford my medicine. What can I do?
A: There are very few but there are some programs will help people who have insurance if they can meet hardship requirements or if their medicine is not covered by the insurance. Some programs help with the co-pays for specific diseases and conditions.
Q: Can I donate unused medicines? How do I dispose of them?
A: Unfortunately, most medicines with the exception of some specific, unopened packages cannot be redistributed and it is illegal to give another person your prescription medicine. Medicine being flushed down the toilet is causing concerns about traces of medicine in the water supply. Many states and communities are addressing this problem and some communities have established pharmaceutical take-back programs. Check with your local pharmacy or government to see if you community has addressed this issue.
Common Questions about Discount Drug Cards
Q: What are drug Discount Cards?
A: These cards offer discounts on various medical services including medicine. They are not a form of insurance. Some are free while others may involve a hefty fee. They are offered by state governments, the drug companies, non-profit and for-profits businesses.
Q: How do I pick a discount drug card?
A: Carefully evaluate any and all costs involved, such as handling or shipping fees. The fee may add up to more than the discount. When using a free card, it is still important to consider the cost of your medicine: the generic version may be cheaper than the discounted drug. Speak with a representative of the plan about concerns and to check if your medicine is included. Your local pharmacist will usually tell you the cheapest way to get your medicine if you have several plans or cards.
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Contributor's Note
This is a FAQ that I wrote for one of our websites. I have found that the FAQ section usually provides good information quickly without hype(usually!).
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This content may not be copied, distributed or adapted by anyone under any circumstances.
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This intel was contributed by khorton
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May, 2012
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