January deductibles are approaching fast and many pre and post-transplant recipients go through obstacles obtaining medication at an affordable cost. This year I felt the need to go in depth and add clarification. So, let’s go.
What is the difference between Patient Assistance Programs and Foundations?
Patient Assistance Programs (PAPs are programs created by pharmaceutical and
medical supply manufacturers to help financially needy patients purchase necessary medications and supplies) Via these programs, prescription medications may be made available at no cost or at a minimal fee for individuals who do not have insurance or are under-insured. We need to redefine the definition that Patient Assistance Programs are for everyone that needs affordable medications. These are geared to help to the commercially insured.
Foundations were created to help address the needs of individuals who cannot
afford their prescription drug bills or medical costs. This includes expenses ranging
from insurance co-payments, coinsurance, premiums, or any of the various other out-of-pocket health care costs.
It is hard when you are trying to get through the matrix of insurance plans, what they cover, what they don’t cover, will they reconsider my medication to a lower tier? Wait, now I am on Medicare and I don’t have any resources! But, you do.
