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Rx Assistance Programs

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 15.1 percent of Americans do not have health insurance. As a result, many people find it difficult or impossible to afford their prescription medications. Several pharmaceutical companies provide prescription assistance to persons in need at no cost to them. Prescription assistance programs use the Federal Poverty Guidelines to determine eligibility. As of 2009, the current federal poverty line for a family of four is $22,050.

  1. Partnership for Prescription Assistance

    • The Partnership for Prescription Assistance (PPA) is a partnership of pharmaceutical research companies and health associations including the Lupus Foundation of America, the American Cancer Society and the AIDS Institute. PPA works with over 475 prescription assistance programs. In addition to connecting patients with accessing prescription medication, PPA also assists patients in accessing Medicare and Medicaid, co-pay assistance programs and finding free or low-cost health clinics in their area.

    RxAssist

    • RxAssist is a 501(c)(3) non-profit agency operated by Volunteers in Health Care through Brown University in Rhode Island with grant support from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. RxAssist maintains a comprehensive database of prescription assistance programs sponsored by pharmaceutical companies. Patients can search the RxAssist website to find low or no-cost prescription assistance programs and medical clinics. RxAssist also provides fact sheets and information to patients to assist them in accessing medications.

    NeedyMeds

    • NeedyMeds is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit agency located in Gloucester, Massachusetts. NeedyMeds provides online access to prescription assistance programs. NeedyMeds also provides information and support in accessing government health care programs and finding free or low-cost health clinics in their area. NeedyMeds also maintains a speakers bureau which provides webinars and on-site speakers who will speak on the health implications of being uninsured, the types of assistance available and how to best find assistance on the NeedyMeds website.

    Accessing Prescription Assistance Programs

    • Patients who apply for assistance from prescription assistance programs will need to be prepared to submit financial records, including pay stubs and tax returns, along with current prescription orders. Partnership for Prescription Assistance and RxAssist have staff that are able to answer questions and assist with completing the required applications and determining what documentation is required by each prescription assistance program.

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