How Does the Prescription Drug Assistance Program Work?
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How It Works For Patients
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The Partnership for Prescription Assistance (PPA) is clearinghouse of programs that help people get medicines for free or nearly free. Pharmaceutical companies, doctors, community groups and patient advocacy programs have banded together to create one data bank that includes all of their programs. Those needing assistance may call, visit the bus that is touring the nation or use the website to find the programs for which they qualify (see Resources). Programs vary by state, income level, medications needed, veteran status, age, family and insurance status. After appropriate programs have been identified, people can apply (either on-line or by printing applications, depending on the program). Doctors must also fill out paperwork for most programs.
What It Looks Like
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The PPA retains enrollment information for 475 existing programs, allowing a single point of access for all programs that help low-income, uninsured patients get free or nearly free brand name medications. It also provides lists of free clinics and doctors that help low income and/or uninsured patients. It does not have its own program or programs, nor does it charge a fee.
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What the Programs Do
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States and companies register with PPA after designing their own assistance programs and standards. PPA helps get the word out about the programs and allows them to increase enrollment. Physicians' groups, as well as groups that focus on a particular disease, partner with PPA to increase awareness of available programs and to provide access for their own patients.
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