In Part Two we find out more about how to find RX prescriptions cheaper.

This is a two-part look into the world of patient assistance programs and how to more easily navigate the often confusing world of PAPs.

Is all medicine available as PAPs?

If the pharmaceutical company has a patient assistance program and or not is entirely up to each company. Which medication is included in any PAP is also down to each company. It really is diverse and can sometimes be frustrating.

Furthermore, if a company has a PAP, this does not automatically mean that all the company’s medication will be available. Which are available and which are not, again is up to each company.

You may even find that a 100g dose of a certain drug is available, but a 200g dose is not. Then again both may be available for six months then not available again.

So, should I go to my Doctor and start there?

Strangely, doctors do not have that much information. We mentioned this in part one. So, no, the doctor is actually the second stop.

Only AFTER you find the PAP and wish to apply, you will need the cooperation of your doctor. There is no way around that. Without a doctors signature, you will never get accepted on any PAP.

Do not expect your doctor to help you find a PAP. You will have to do all the research yourself. Many companies will help you through the maze of PAPs, but they do charge you a fee for this info.

But …. We are here to help you for free, so read on.

Start with Google.

Here is how to start your search. Let’s start with an example such as “KEYWORD,” once we press “Google Search” or the magnifying icon we see a list of the top 10 websites that are relevant to the KEYWORD.

As you can see we have quite varying information.

Using RX Helper as an example.

Nearly all the listed PAP sites in our search vary considerably when it comes to how they function. Some are straightforward PAPs, and some are actually RX insurance sites that for a modest sum will insure you for the medication you need.

Starting with The RX Helper - open https://www.therxhelper.com/medication/ there you will find an alphabetical list of available medication (if your desired medication is missing, then please contact them as their list changes daily).

Drill down to your medication (or find a generic equivalent) and then head over to https://www.therxhelper.com/enrollment/ where you will notice that there are different options of a contacting them, a quick form (to the right) and a dedicated enrollment page at https://www.therxhelper.com/enrollment-form/.

Great, I have decided on a PAP. My doctor will help, right?

Doctors are very busy and not a very helpful bunch on the whole, so you may have to apply a little (gentle) pressure to get the required signature.

Some ways of expediting this more simply are, to start by filling in the form correctly, have proof of income (you will need this if your physician is not up to date with your personal life) and have a prepaid envelope.

Be patient; it can take a few days to get the signature.

If they refuse to help, then it is time to tell them that without this you simply cannot afford the medication that THEY recommended for your treatment.

If you still a receive a “no,” then it may be time to find a new doctor and start anew.

Remember to be polite, but firm. Make it clear it is easier to sign the PAP than to have you come back bothering them every other day.

Summing it all up

Affordable health care and insurance coverage is the best answer to our health concerns, but we do not live in an ideal world.

Nevertheless, patient assistance programs are a great help to millions of financially challenged people all over America. Seek them out and get started immediately. You may save yourself a small fortune.