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In Pain, Out of Work and Can't Pay the
Bills
A Resource Directory for People with CRPS
Patient Assistance Programs
The good news is that in this day of very expensive prescription
drugs, there are several patient assistance programs (PAP)
designed to help low-income people with limited or no prescription
drug coverage. State and government programs offer discounts
and subsidies, and most pharmaceutical manufacturers have
patient assistance programs that provide free drugs to those
who qualify. Therein lies the rub: a key qualifier is that
drugs are only dispensed for medication if it is being used
within the Federal Drug Administration's approved indication
(ie, "on label"). Many people with CRPS rely
on "off-label" uses of medications. Still, it is
worth checking into. At the very least, you might get a substantial
reduction in the price.
A note about opioids: Most manufacturers have removed these
drugs from their patient assistance plans. Purdue Pharma, L.P.,
manufacturer of OxyContin®, is the exception. Your physician
must call Purdue Pharma (800.599.6070) and request an application
for you. You must provide copies of your income tax return
and evidence of your monthly expenses, but when it is all
said and done, it is possible to get the drug free of charge.
The drug will be dispensed by your physician. However, Purdue
Pharma will not dispense drugs to those individuals who are
in the Medicare Part D "donut hole."
The following information is provided as a service only. RSDSA
does not endorse any of these programs.
Partnership for Prescription Assistance (PPA)
The PPA, made up of pharmaceutical
companies, health care providers, patient advocacy organizations,
and community groups, offers a single point of access to more
than 475 public and private patient assistance programs, including
more than 150 programs offered by pharmaceutical companies.
To find out if you qualify for free or discounted drugs,
call toll-free 888.477.2669 or visit the website,
and click on the left hand box for patients. You will be asked
to enter the drugs you need and personal information (age,
income, insurance coverage). The computer will let you know
immediately the programs for which you are qualified.
National Organization of Rare Diseases (NORD) Medication
Assistance Programs
Through the NORD Patient Assistance Program, eligible patients
are provided with cost-free medications.
Web-only Resources
BenefitsCheckUp
This organization provides people 55 years and older with
a report of public and private programs to help them save
money on prescription drugs. It also can help you find help
with rent, property taxes, heating bills, meals, and other
needs.
RxHope
RxHope is a free web-based service that helps prescribers
and patient advocates apply, obtain, and track requests for
no cost medication for patients who are unable to afford them
and who have no access to prescription insurance or government-funded
programs. They can help identify:
- Federal, state and charitable agencies that have patient
assistance programs
- Ways to register on the Internet
- How to navigate the Drug Information Center, State and
Federal Assistance Programs, Healthcare Links, and Pharmaceutical Company Links
Rx Outreach
Rx Outreach is the Patient Assistance Program of Express Scripts
Specialty Distribution Services, Inc. The program provides
qualified low-income individuals and families with access
to generic versions of brand name medications. For more information,
visit the website or call 800.769.3880.
Workers Comp Rx
A pharmacy service for injured workers with open claims provides
medications with no out-of-pocket costs.
Watch Out for Scams!
MyFreeMedicine.com, LLC advertised on television and the
radio that they could get free prescription medicine for "eligible"
consumers. After paying $199.95 to enroll, people were directed
to pharmaceutical-company-run programs. Consumers found they
were not eligible for all the medications they need.
The Federal
Trade Commission complained to the U.S. District Court. The
FTC has also published a consumer alert, No
Need to Pay for Information on Free (or Low-Cost) Rx Drugs.
State Programs
Many states have programs
in place to subsidize the cost of pharmaceuticals or offer
discounts for elders, low-income residents, and others.
Introduction
Assistive Devices
Caregiver Resources
Clinical Trials
Disability Resources
Government Assistance
Programs
Health Services/Insurance
Independent Living
Centers
Legal Aid
Living Expenses
Patient Assistance
Programs
Service, Faith-based,
and Private Organizations
Transportation
Veterans
Workers Compensation
Appendices:
Federal
Poverty Guidelines
Finding Free Clinics
Updated
March 5, 2008
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