Prescription Drug Assistance Programs
The diagnosis of a serious or terminal disease is life-changing. There are so many questions to be answered, so many issues to be discussed. But for patients who are uninsured or underinsured, the problems of facing a serious disease are compounded. Thoughts immediately turn to how one will manage to afford the cost of treatment. The management of any type of cancer, including malignant mesothelioma, is very expensive and most people need some sort of assistance to afford such treatment, be it through their insurance company or some other avenue.
Finding Assistance
Those who believe they will have a problem affording their mesothelioma treatment will want to address the issue immediately so as not to waste precious time on red tape - time that should be spent receiving much-needed treatment. The first person to speak with concerning any problems with insurance or lack of insurance is a member of your medical team. They can direct you to in-office or hospital personnel that can educate you on the assistance programs for which you might qualify.
Patients who have gathered mesothelioma information on treatments and other issues and are facing uncertainty as to whether they can handle the costs should not hesitate to ask for help. Many malignant mesothelioma patients, especially those who are retired or no longer working, face difficulties in regards to the cost of expensive treatments such as chemotherapy. Programs are in place to address this issue.
What’s Available?
Many Patient Assistance Programs (PAPs) are set up by drug companies that offer free or low cost drugs to individuals who are unable to pay for their medication. All of the major drug companies offer these programs and the most-prescribed or best known drugs are generally available through these PAPs. To apply, forms are filled out and submitted to the drug company to determine whether patients will qualify. Eligibility varies program by program.
Medicare offers prescription drug plans that serve to lower the cost of prescriptions for those who are unable to afford them at regular cost. Malignant mesothelioma patients who can prove that they have limited income and resources may also be able to obtain extra help in paying for Medicare drug plan costs.
In addition, state-sponsored assistance programs for residents who lack insurance coverage for medicines or who are not eligible for other government programs currently exist in 32 of the 50 states. Some provide for a direct subsidy while others offer discounts only. Some of these state-sponsored PAPs have been recently replaced by Medicare Part D plans. Patients who need more information on state programs should contact their local Congressman’s office.
Prescription Assistance Program Database
Last modified: December 09, 2009.
