This article defines patient assistance programs (PAPs) and provides helpful information for who may be eligible.
What are patient assistance programs (PAPs)?
Patient assistance programs (PAPs) help people without health insurance and those who are underinsured. These programs are often managed by pharmaceutical companies, nonprofits, and government agencies. PAPs may cover free or low-cost medicines if you don’t have insurance, have lost your insurance, or are underinsured and can’t afford your medicine.
Pharmaceutical manufacturers often sponsor PAPs that provide financial assistance or free product for eligible individuals. PAPs may also provide assistance to Part D enrollees and interface with Part D plans by operating “outside the Part D benefit” to ensure separateness of Part D benefits and PAP assistance.
Who should enroll in PAPs?
Anyone who is without insurance, is underinsured, and is unable to pay for their medication should consider a PAP. PAPs were created to ensure continued access to life-saving medicines.
Are PAPs the same as copay assistance programs like copay cards?
No. PAPs are intended only for the uninsured or the underinsured. PAP programs provide drugs free or at a discount to patients. Copay assistance programs are for commercially-insured individuals and work in tandem with the patient and the insurance plan to help cover a medication’s out-of-pocket cost.
What can BioMatrix do to help connect patients to these resources?
BioMatrix can provide information on available PAPs related to your medication and can connect you to those resources.
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