Prescription drug savings from UCB Cares

Prescription medications can be a significant financial burden for many patients, especially for those facing job loss, furlough, or loss of insurance coverage due to the COVID-19 pandemic. At UCB, we understand the challenges patients may face in accessing the medications they need. That’s why we offer various financial assistance programs to help qualified patients. In this article, we will explore the eligibility requirements, duration of approval, additional resources, and enrollment options for UCB Patient Assistance Programs.

Eligibility requirements for the Patient Assistance Program

To qualify for the UCB Patient Assistance Program, patients must meet certain criteria. These criteria include:

• Residency: Patients must reside within the United States, including the District of Columbia or Puerto Rico
• Income: The total household income of the patient must not exceed 500% of the Federal Poverty Limit (FPL). You can find detailed information on the current Federal Poverty Limit on the Healthcare.gov website
• On-Label Medication: The prescribed medication must be for on-label purposes as defined by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration
• Valid Prescription: Patients must have a valid prescription from a U.S. licensed healthcare provider. It’s important to note that prescriptions identified as controlled substances (CIV or CV) must be signed by a licensed MD or DO if the patient resides outside of Texas, in compliance with Texas Board of Pharmacy regulations
• Specific Medication Requirements: For certain medications like Briviact®, Nayzilam®, and Neupro®, applicants must be considered uninsured or underinsured due to a significant financial hardship despite having insurance coverage. However, patients with government insurance, such as Medicare or TRICARE, are not eligible for the patient assistance program for Cimzia®

Duration of approval for Patient Assistance Program

The duration of approval for the UCB Patient Assistance Program depends on the patient’s insurance type. Here are the details:

• Uninsured or Commercially Insured Patients: These patients can be approved for up to 24 consecutive months. However, all approved patients will need to undergo a re-verification of continued eligibility every 90 days. If a patient’s eligibility extends beyond the initial 24 months, re-enrollment is required
• Government Insured Patients: Patients with government insurance, such as Medicare or TRICARE, will be approved for the calendar year. Continued eligibility for the following year will be evaluated after Medicare Open Enrollment ends

Medications available on the UCB Patient Assistance Program

• Cimzia CIMZIA (certolizumab pegol)
• Briviact BRIVIACT (brivaracetam) CV
• Keppra (levetiracetam)
• Keppra XR (levetiracetam) Extended-Release tablets
• Neupro (Rotigotine Transdermal System)
• Vimpat (lacosamide) CV

Additional resources for ineligible patients

If a patient is ineligible for the UCB Patient Assistance Program, additional resources are still available to explore. These resources include:

• Copay Assistance for Commercially Insured Patients: Patients with commercial coverage can be considered for copay assistance. This assistance can help alleviate the financial burden of copayments for UCB medications
• Medicare Extra Help Program (Low Income Subsidy): Patients with Medicare Part D coverage may be eligible for the Medicare Extra Help Program, also known as the Low Income Subsidy. This program provides financial assistance for prescription drug costs
• Foundation Resources: All patients, regardless of insurance coverage, may have access to various Foundation Resources upon request. These resources can provide additional support and information on financial assistance options

Enrolling for Multiple Products

Patients may require multiple UCB products for their treatment, and they may need assistance with each of these medications. The UCB Patient Assistance Program allows patients to enroll in multiple products simultaneously. However, it’s important to note that all products are subject to an eligibility review to ensure patients meet the necessary criteria.

Contacting UCB for Financial Assistance

If you are struggling with the burden of paying for your UCB medication, there are several ways to seek financial assistance. You can contact ucbCARES at (844) 599-CARE (2273) or by email at UCBCares@ucb.com to see if you qualify for medicines at no cost. Please be aware that due to the high volume of requests, response times may be delayed. We appreciate your patience as we work to assist you as quickly as possible.

UCB’s Commitment to Patients

At UCB, patients are at the heart of everything we do. We believe in engaging patients and healthcare professionals to understand their clinical, economic, social, and personal needs. Our goal is to provide value and support to patients on their healthcare journeys, ensuring that those who need our medications can access them.

Through the UCB Patient Assistance Program, we aim to provide some medications at no cost to eligible and qualified uninsured or underinsured patients who have no other means of accessing the UCB medicines prescribed by their physicians. We are committed to an ongoing dialogue with patients, healthcare professionals, insurance companies, policymakers, and regulators to promote innovation, and discoveries, and alleviate the cost burden for individuals living with severe diseases.

Conclusion

UCB is dedicated to helping patients who need our medications. The Patient Assistance Programs offer financial assistance to qualified individuals facing challenges in affording their prescriptions. By meeting the eligibility requirements and exploring the available resources, patients can access the support they need to continue their treatment. If you require financial assistance, reach out to ucbCARES for guidance and information on how to apply.

Sources

• Paying for Your Medication – UCB
• UCB Patient Assistance Program Eligibility
• Information for Patients | UCB