home | contact us | privacy | legal

In Pain, Out of Work and Can't Pay the Bills
A Resource Directory for People with CRPS

Patient Assistance Programs

The good news is that in this day of very expensive prescription drugs, there are several patient assistance programs (PAP) designed to help low-income people with limited or no prescription drug coverage. State and government programs offer discounts and subsidies, and most pharmaceutical manufacturers have patient assistance programs that provide free drugs to those who qualify. Therein lies the rub: a key qualifier is that drugs are only dispensed for medication if it is being used within the Federal Drug Administration's approved indication (ie, "on label"). Many people with CRPS rely on "off-label" uses of medications. Still, it is worth checking into. At the very least, you might get a substantial reduction in the price.

A note about opioids: Most manufacturers have removed these drugs from their patient assistance plans. Purdue Pharma, L.P., manufacturer of OxyContin^®, is the exception. Your physician must call Purdue Pharma (800.599.6070) and request an application for you. You must provide copies of your income tax return and evidence of your monthly expenses, but when it is all said and done, it is possible to get the drug free of charge. The drug will be dispensed by your physician. However, Purdue Pharma will not dispense drugs to those individuals who are in the Medicare Part D "donut hole."

The following information is provided as a service only. RSDSA does not endorse any of these programs.

Partnership for Prescription Assistance (PPA)
The PPA, made up of pharmaceutical companies, health care providers, patient advocacy organizations, and community groups, offers a single point of access to more than 475 public and private patient assistance programs, including more than 150 programs offered by pharmaceutical companies.

To find out if you qualify for free or discounted drugs, call toll-free 888.477.2669 or visit the website, and click on the left hand box for patients. You will be asked to enter the drugs you need and personal information (age, income, insurance coverage). The computer will let you know immediately the programs for which you are qualified.

National Organization of Rare Diseases (NORD) Medication Assistance Programs
Through the NORD Patient Assistance Program, eligible patients are provided with cost-free medications.

Web-only Resources

BenefitsCheckUp
This organization provides people 55 years and older with a report of public and private programs to help them save money on prescription drugs. It also can help you find help with rent, property taxes, heating bills, meals, and other needs.

RxHope
RxHope is a free web-based service that helps prescribers and patient advocates apply, obtain, and track requests for no cost medication for patients who are unable to afford them and who have no access to prescription insurance or government-funded programs. They can help identify:

• Federal, state and charitable agencies that have patient assistance programs
• Ways to register on the Internet
• How to navigate the Drug Information Center, State and Federal Assistance Programs, Healthcare Links, and Pharmaceutical Company Links

Rx Outreach
Rx Outreach is the Patient Assistance Program of Express Scripts Specialty Distribution Services, Inc. The program provides qualified low-income individuals and families with access to generic versions of brand name medications. For more information, visit the website or call 800.769.3880.

Workers Comp Rx
A pharmacy service for injured workers with open claims provides medications with no out-of-pocket costs.

Watch Out for Scams!

MyFreeMedicine.com, LLC advertised on television and the radio that they could get free prescription medicine for "eligible" consumers. After paying $199.95 to enroll, people were directed to pharmaceutical-company-run programs. Consumers found they were not eligible for all the medications they need.

The Federal Trade Commission complained to the U.S. District Court. The FTC has also published a consumer alert, No Need to Pay for Information on Free (or Low-Cost) Rx Drugs.

State Programs

Many states have programs in place to subsidize the cost of pharmaceuticals or offer discounts for elders, low-income residents, and others.

Introduction
Assistive Devices
Caregiver Resources
Clinical Trials
Disability Resources
Government Assistance Programs
Health Services/Insurance
Independent Living Centers
Legal Aid
Living Expenses
Patient Assistance Programs
Service, Faith-based, and Private Organizations
Transportation
Veterans
Workers Compensation

Appendices:
Federal Poverty Guidelines
Finding Free Clinics

Updated September 25, 2008