Find Patient Assistance Programs for Your Medications

PAPs are benefit programs that are sponsored by pharmaceutical companies to help individuals access high-cost brand-name medications, which may otherwise be unaffordable. Qualified individuals can receive medications for no cost.

PAPs allow physicians to prescribe brand medications that are clinically preferred but which would otherwise be unaffordable for the patient.

This is an important distinction:

• Patient Assistance Programs (PAPs): Cover the full cost of the medication, regardless of your insurance status or plan coverage. The medication is provided free to qualifying patients.
• Drug coupons/copay cards: Only available to commercially insured individuals and only cover the copay or coinsurance portion. They cannot be used if you’re uninsured or have government insurance.

PAPs are significantly more comprehensive and accessible to a broader range of patients.

PAPs are sponsored directly by pharmaceutical manufacturers of brand-name prescription drugs.

Use the NowPatient Patient Assistance Program Service Card to check if a PAP is available for your brand-name medication. This search service is completely free.

No. PAPs are run by pharmaceutical companies that offer free medication subject to specific eligibility requirements. NowPatient provides a helpful quiz to determine if you qualify based on each pharmaceutical company’s terms and conditions. If you qualify, you’ll receive information and application forms to begin enrollment.

If you are uninsured or underinsured with no drug coverage: Yes, you can qualify. Almost all PAPs are designed specifically for people who are uninsured, underinsured with no drug coverage, or unable to afford their medication costs.

If you are commercially or privately insured but cannot afford your copay or coinsurance: Yes, you may qualify. Eligibility requirements vary between pharmaceutical companies. Complete the NowPatient eligibility quiz to find out if you qualify for your specific medication.

If you have state, federal, or other government insurance: Yes, you may qualify. Eligibility requirements vary between pharmaceutical companies. Complete the NowPatient eligibility quiz to determine your qualification status.

If you have government insurance and don’t qualify for a PAP, and you’re still finding it difficult to afford your medication, other assistance options include:

• Low Income Subsidy (LIS) or Extra Help: Apply online at SSA Medicare D Extra Help or call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778)
• State assistance programs: Such as Medicaid

This depends on the program sponsor:

• Some pharmaceutical companies will send you a card that allows you to obtain the medication at your local pharmacy for free
• Other pharmaceutical companies will ship the medication directly to your home or to your doctor’s office

NowPatient will explain the specific method of supply after you complete the eligibility quiz for your medication.

Option 1: Self-Enrollment (Free)

NowPatient provides free resources to help you enroll independently:

• Patient Assistance Program search tools
• Eligibility quizzes
• Application forms and enrollment materials
• Educational resources about the process

The self-enrollment process typically involves:

1. Searching for your medication’s PAP
2. Completing the eligibility quiz
3. Gathering required documentation (proof of income, insurance information, etc.)
4. Obtaining prescription and physician forms
5. Submitting applications to pharmaceutical manufacturers
6. Following up on your application status
7. Tracking re-enrollment deadlines (most programs require annual renewal)
8. Managing refill orders
9. Reapplying before your enrollment expires

Option 2: Full-Service Enrollment with Prescription Bliss ($50/month)

We understand that navigating Patient Assistance Programs can be overwhelming. The application process involves extensive paperwork, coordinating with healthcare providers, gathering financial documentation, and managing ongoing renewals and refills.

NowPatient has partnered with Prescription Bliss to handle everything for you.

For just $50 per calendar month, Prescription Bliss provides comprehensive PAP management:

Initial Enrollment:

• Complete all PAP applications on your behalf
• Gather and submit all required documentation
• Coordinate directly with your healthcare provider
• Communicate with pharmaceutical manufacturers
• Track your application status
• Ensure you receive your medication

Ongoing Management:

• Handle all re-enrollment requirements (programs typically require annual renewal)
• Manage all refill orders throughout the year
• Monitor expiration dates and deadlines
• Ensure continuous, uninterrupted medication access
• Provide ongoing support and answer questions
• Act as your advocate with pharmaceutical companies

With Prescription Bliss, you simply:

1. Sign up through NowPatient
2. Provide your basic information and prescription details
3. Let Prescription Bliss handle everything else

No paperwork. No deadlines to track. No coordination headaches. Just continuous access to your medication.