As the Congress considers Medicare beneficiaries' access to prescription drug coverage, there appears to be increased interest in the options available, which unfortunately are still few and far between. For the most part, eligibility for the patient assistance programs typically require that applicants have low incomes and no drug coverage. Most of the participating programs are reluctant to disclose income level thresholds to potential applicants for fear of falsification of income. Additionally, many assistance programs consider an applicant's current drug coverage status when determining eligibility. Patients who feel they might qualify for special pharmaceutical programs should consider asking their physician.
Many programs require the healthcare provider's involvement.
In fact, information about many of these programs is typically given to health care providers by drug company representatives. Some programs, however, allow patients to apply directly or through a patient advocate. While it is a good start, HCFA is eager to improve the site and therefore encourages feedback about additional programs. The database will be updated every month and verified quarterly. Gary feels that the materials available from The Medicine Program are thorough with easy to follow instructions.