Patient assistance programs (PAPs) are typically sponsored by pharmaceutical companies and are designed to provide free or low-cost medication to low income, uninsured and underinsured populations. The majority of pharmaceutical companies have some form of a PAP for some or all medicines.

Each pharmaceutical company is responsible for establishing the enrollment criteria for its program. Eligibility criteria may be based on the current Federal Poverty Level (FPL) along with the number of dependent household members, or may be based on a flat income amount per household. Income is the primary eligibility requirement for a PAP.

The following are typical eligibility criteria for manufacturers' PAPs and how Rx Outreach differs:

• Income - less than $19,600 (single); $26,400 (two-person household). These figures equate to approximately 200 percent of the federal poverty level (FPL). Rx Outreach is available to individuals and families at or below 250 percent of the Federal Poverty Level. For a single person this figure is about $24,500 per year. A family of four must have a household income of less than $50,000 per year.
  
  
• Documentation - Over the past several years, more companies are now asking for patients to submit supporting documentation to verify the income they put on their forms. This is typically done with tax returns, W2's etc. Unlike most patient assistance programs, Rx Outreach does not require patients to submit tax returns and other financial documents to verify income. The patient's signature on the Rx Outreach form is attesting that the information provided is true and accurate.
  
  
• No Prescription Drug Coverage - If patients have prescription drug coverage, they are not eligible for many manufacturers' PAPs. Rx Outreach is committed to making access to prescription drugs safer and more affordable, which is why the program is available to those who are uninsured or underinsured. Many people with health insurance do not have adequate prescription coverage to be able to afford medicine. You can use Rx Outreach whether or not you are enrolled in Medicare Part D.