Diabetes medications are getting more and more effective, as pharmaceutical companies develop better ways to manage your blood sugar levels with fewer side effects. The bad news: These medications are also soaring in cost. A recent study by Stanford University and the University of Chicago found patients doubled their spending on diabetes drugs in six years--between 2001 and 2007--reaching a grand total of $12.5 billion. Fortunately, drug companies and public health agencies sponsor patient assistance programs to help you access life-saving diabetes drugs.
Prescription Assistance Programs
Individuals struggling to pay for medication may be eligible for free or reduced-cost prescriptions. The Prescription Assistance Program (PAP) is the primary source for information about your prescription drug benefits. Founded in 2005 by the pharmaceutical industry association Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA), the PAP program represents more than 475 public and private patient assistance programs, covering 2500 medications. Two hundred of these prescription drug access programs are sponsored by pharmaceutical companies.
The PAP offers a single point of access for prescription assistance programs. Access the following resources online to determine your eligibility and identify the right program for you:
- 2011 Directory of PhRMA Member Company Assistance Programs. A list of all participating organizations and their contact information.
- Participating Patient Assistance Programs. A database of patient assistance programs searchable by drug name, state and program name.
- Medication Search. An online interactive search tool to determine whether you are eligible for coverage, and which program applies to you.
Medicare prescription drug plans
Those over the age of 65 qualify for prescription drug coverage through Medicare. The federal health insurance program offers various prescription drug plans and Medicare Advantage Plans to help older adults access the medication they need at reduced cost.
Managing your diabetes drugs cost
Patient advocacy groups like PAP help reduce the red tape of identifying and applying for drug assistance. Through their programs, low-income individuals have a direct line of access to diabetes medications at a lower cost, with typically no hassle. For example, there are five programs covering Avandia, including GlaxoSmithKline's own Bridges to Access. Simply fill out the program's online form; if you qualify, you can receive Avandia free by mail.
For more information on free diabetes drugs and other diabetes patient assistance programs, see the National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse (NDIC)'s Financial Help for Diabetics, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services.
Don't let finances get between you and your health. Patient assistance programs are designed to make sure you get the drugs you need to manage your diabetes. Find out today whether you qualify for low-cost or free diabetes drugs.
