Patient Assistance Programs in California

Pharmaceutical companies create programs that provide free medication to those who are unable to afford them. In December 2009, the California HealthCare Foundation reported there are 6.6 million individuals who do not have insurance. Patient assistance programs require eligible California residents to be without prescription coverage and meet income guidelines.

Abbot Patient Assistance Foundation

• Eligibility for free medications from the Abbott Patient Assistance Foundation is based on Federal Poverty Guidelines. In addition to providing 2,500 brand name and generic medications to patients, Abbot also has assistance programs for diabetics and those that require medical nutrition products. Covered medications include Depakote, Synthroid, Teveten and Trilipix.

  Abbot Patient Assistance Foundation
  P.O. Box 270
  Somerset, New Jersey 08876
  [phone]
  [phone]
  http://www.abbott.com

Bristol-Myers Squibb Patient Assistance Foundation

• Eligibility guidelines for California residents to receive free medication from Bristol-Myers Squibb Patient Assistance Foundation depend on the medication patients are taking. A doctor's signature and proof of financial hardship are required when applying for assistance. The income limits for free medication through the Bristol-Myers Squibb Patient Assistance Program are decided on a case-by-case basis. Prescriptions for Avalide, Avapro, Onglyza and Plavix are provided free of charge through the program.

  Bristol-Myers Squibb Patient Assistance Foundation
  PO Box 1058
  Somerville, New Jersey 08876
  [phone]
  [phone]
  http://www.bmspaf.rog

Wyeth Pharmaceutical Patient Assistance Foundation

• To qualify for free medication through the Wyeth Pharmaceutical Patient Assistance Foundation, patients must have an income below 200 percent of the Federal Poverty Level. Wyeth communicates directly with the doctor's office. Applications are reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Patients on Medicare may qualify if they are able to provide documentation they are suffering from financial hardship. Medications provided to enrollees include Effexor, Premarin, Premphase and Trecator.

  Wyeth Pharmaceutical Patient Assistance Foundation
  PO Box 66762
  St Louis, Missouri 63166
  [phone]
  http://www.wyeth.com

Merck Patient Assistance Program

• To qualify for medications manufactured by Merck, such as Noroxin and Singulair, patients must be without insurance, prescription coverage, Medicaid or Medicare. Income limits for the program are based on family size. According to Merck's website, "you may qualify for the program if you have a household income of $43,320 or less for individuals, $58,280 or less for couples or $88,200 or less for a family of 4."

  Merck Patient Assistance Program
  PO Box 690
  Horsham, Pennsylvania 19044
  [phone]
  http://www.merck.com