Prescription drug assistance programs have existed for decades. They take the form of state programs that provide safety net coverage for vulnerable populations, drug company giveaway programs, and nonprofit organizations that provide financial assistance or help patients in need find it. Generally those who have low incomes and are uninsured qualify for these programs, but each entity has its own requirements. There has a been a push in recent years to broaden access to these programs.
Early State Programs
New Jersey, Maine, and Pennsylvania were the first states to pass prescription drug assistance for low-income seniors who did not qualify for Medicaid in 1975 according to researchers in the February 2007 Journal of Health Politics, Policy and Law. By 2004, when the Medicare prescription drug benefit became law, 31 states had programs to help senior citizens pay for medications, they reported. Today many states offer some type of assistance. Eligibility requirements vary according to income, medical conditions and age according to NeedyMeds.
Early Drug Company Efforts
The Pharmaceutical Researchers and Manufacturers of America, the drug company trade organization, first published written guidelines for providers to connect patients to free and discount drug programs in 1992, according to Drug Topics, an online journal for pharmacists. While programs existed, there was little information available to the general public and the process was time consuming for health care providers, Drug Topics reports. In 2003, HelpPatients.org was created by the prescription drug industry to bring this information to the internet. The drug companies revamped these efforts to create the Partnership for Patient Assistance in 2005.
NeedyMeds
Founded in 1997 by a social worker and a physician, NeedyMeds is a nonprofit organization that created an internet database for patient assistance programs recognizing that many people were not aware of these resources. NeedyMeds continue to work with drug companies, government agencies and other nonprofits to connect patients with resources. The NeedyMeds.org website also includes a clinics database and forums for patient advocates. NeedyMeds innovated a software program which allows doctor's offices and clinics to easily manage applications for patients.
Together Rx
In 2003, GlaxoSmithKline and six other major prescription drug manufacturers launched the discount drug card, Together Rx. The program offered discounts to seniors with low incomes for 100 commonly prescribed medications, according to its website. Together Rx programs are among those available directly from its website or the Partnership For Prescription Assistance initiative.
Partnership For Patient Assistance
The pharmaceutical industry joined under the auspices of the Pharmaceutical Researchers and Manufacturers of America to launch the Partnership for Prescription Assistance in 2005. The drug companies joined private and public organizations to create a clearinghouse of over 475 prescription assistance programs which can be accessed by health care providers and patients through the Partnership.
References
- "Journal of Health Policy, Politics and Law;" "Public Preferences and Organized Interests in Health Policy: State Pharmacy Assistance Programs as Innovations;" Virginia Gray, David Lowery, Erik K. Godwin, February 2007
- Partnership for Prescription Assistance: Facts About PPA
- Drug Topics: Access to patient assistance programs is easing
- GlaxoSmithKline: GSK For You: About GSK
- NeedyMeds: The History of NeedyMeds
