The Three Basic Requirements
Each pharmaceutical company with an established Patient Assistance Program determines the eligibility criteria for their own program; generally: those in financial need regardless of their age.
Individuals generally qualify if:
- You are not covered by a private insurance plan that pays for your
prescription medicine.
- You have either exhausted or do not qualify for any government (state or federal) programs or third party programs that will pay for your prescription drugs.
- Payment for your prescription drugs at the retail price will cause you a financial hardship.
Some programs allow your doctor to make the hardship determination by writing a simple
letter stating such on his office stationary. This is where the doctor plays a vital role in
eligibility process.
Some drug manufacturers have income limits that relate to the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
The current Federal Poverty Guideline is listed below. Keep in mind, most programs accept
income percentages above these figures. A few drug manufacturers have a maximum of $60,000
income level. This income range is usually reserved for those individuals who need very expensive drugs such as applicants with cancer, AIDS, transplant patients or MS.
The table below outlines the poverty guidelines.
Size of
Family |
48 Contiguous States & D.C. |
|
|
|
| |
Gross Yearly Income |
Gross Monthly Income |
1 |
$ 9,310 |
$ 776 |
2 |
$ 12,490 |
$ 1,041 |
3 |
$ 15,670 |
$ 1,306 |
4 |
$ 18,850 |
$ 1,571 |
5 |
$ 22,030 |
$ 1,836 |
6 |
$ 25,210 |
$ 2,101 |
7 |
$ 28,390 |
$ 2,366 |
8 |
$ 31,570 |
$ 2,631 |
Each Additional
Person Add: |
$ 3,180 |
$ 265 |
|
