Ever wondered if there is help available to help cover the cost of medication? There may be times when you might need help covering the cost of a rescue medicine for epilepsy. Many drug companies offer programs called “patient assistance programs” that offer help paying for medication.
For many years I thought these programs were only available to those not covered by insurance or only to children or to those in the hospital. But that is not true. I, and others I know have been able to utilize these programs for a variety of medications even though I am working, and have regular health insurance.
Patient Assistance Programs
According to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid, “Pharmaceutical manufacturers may sponsor patient assistance programs (PAPs) that provide financial assistance or drug free product (through in-kind product donations) to low income individuals to augment any existing prescription drug coverage.” Patient Assistance Programs are a service offered by drug companies. These programs may include services such as:
- Prescription medicine free of charge or at low cost
- Medicine sent to your home, your doctor’s office, or your pharmacy
- Refills for up to a year before reapplying
VALTOCO Example
It is important to remember that each program is different and that not all programs offer all of these benefits. For example, one company offers a copay card, to insured patients who meet the eligibility criteria, which allows the rescue medication VALTOCO to be provided at as low as $20.
Here’s a link to that info: https://portal.trialcard.com/neurelis/valtoco/patient/
Where to look
There are several ways to look for copay cards or patient assistance programs. I have included a few ways below:
2. https://medicineassistancetool.org/
3. Search “Drug Name, copay card” in google
4. Search “Drug Name, patient assistance program” in google
In my opinion options 3 and 4 are the most efficient. You will quickly find the page showing the eligibility criteria and benefits.
One Hidden Benefit
If you do have insurance and you opt to use a patient assistance program or copay card you may discover a hidden benefit. Using these programs at the beginning of the year when you are likely to be hit with a deductible is particularly useful. Though you will be paying a small fee for the drug (or no fee at all), the insurance company will recognize the full cost of the drug to you. Thus your deductible is likely to be recognized much sooner as a result.
I hope you found this helpful.
This article was made possible through an educational grant from Neurelis Inc. Neurelis had no influence on the content of the articles or the videos or any aspect of this program.
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