If you are having difficulty paying for any of your medications, you could extremely benefit from this information.
Because my medicine is really expensive ($4 a pill), I apply every three months for a Patient Assistance Program (PAP). This application is given by the pharmaceutical company that manufactures one of my medicines for depression (Lexapro).
Simply google your medication's name followed by "patient assistance program application". If your medication has an application for PAP, be sure to carefully follow the instructions they give you. Here are some steps that may help you:
1. You will need to get an original prescription and signature from your doctor. To do this, simply call your doctor's office, let them know you are filling out a PAP, and your doctor will write one up for you.
2. After you print out your PAP, be sure to fill out every section. You will see where your doctor's information and signature is needed. It will be helpful for your doctor if you mark these areas with post-it arrows so they can quickly and easily fill out the application.
3. Address an appropriate sized envelope to your pharmaceutical company and add postage (their address will be found on the application).
4. Bring the filled out application and envelope to your doctor's office. Be sure to remind the office staff to attach an original prescription to the application and show the appropriate areas that need information.
5. After about a month, the pharmaceutical company will e-mail you (if you provide an e-mail address in your application) and let you know if you were approved or not. After I receive that e-mail, it usually only takes 5 days before my doctor's office calls me to let me know they have received my medication.
PAPs are a big help for those who do not have insurance, or whose insurance companies may not cover certain medications. My Patient Assistance Program has been such a blessing to me. Without it, I don't know how I would afford my medication. I hope these steps help make the application process easier for you :)
