Even with Medicare Part D or equivalent healthcare coverage, affording critical prescription drugs can strain a budget — especially for people with low or fixed incomes. Fortunately, many pharmaceutical companies and nonprofits offer Patient Assistance Programs (PAPs) that supplement or fully cover the costs.*
For example, Bristol Myers Squibb Patient Assistance Foundation (bmspaf.org) provides certain medications free of charge for up to one year to qualified patients. Eliquis®, a common blood thinner among the Medicare population, is one such drug. Eliquis and several other prescription drugs may be free with Medicare Part D if:
Household income is at or below $43,740 for a single person or $59,160 for a family of two.
You have spent at least 3 percent of your yearly household income on out-of-pocket (OOP) prescription expenses in the year for which you are seeking assistance from the Foundation.
If you have concerns about paying for your prescription drugs and are looking for support, the Medicare website provides an excellent tool to start your research. Click this link and simply enter the name of your prescription.
We hope this resource offers financial relief and peace of mind to our clients who need it! If you have questions about PAP eligibility, Medicare Part D or other drug coverage, please contact Health Directions at your convenience.
*PAPs operate independently and outside of other benefits. Thus, PAP savings are not part of a Medicare beneficiary’s true-out-of-pocket calculation.