What Is Copay Assistance Program and How to Get Started

A copay assistance program is a type of financial aid that helps patients pay for their copays, which are the out-of-pocket costs for prescription medications.

These programs are usually offered by pharmaceutical companies, and they can significantly reduce the financial burden of medication costs for eligible patients.

Eligible patients can receive financial assistance in the form of reduced copays or even free medication, depending on the program.

To get started with a copay assistance program, patients typically need to meet certain eligibility criteria, such as having a certain medical condition or being on a specific medication.

There are several types of copay assistance programs available to help individuals with their out-of-pocket medication costs. These programs can be provided by pharmaceutical companies, non-profit organizations, or government agencies.

One type of copay assistance program is the patient assistance program, which provides free or discounted medications to eligible individuals. For example, the Genentech Patient Foundation provides free Genentech medicines to people who don't have insurance coverage or have financial concerns.

Another type of copay assistance program is the copay card, which offers discounts on medication costs. The AZ&Me program, offered by AstraZeneca, provides co-pay savings on certain medications, including AIRSUPRA and SYMBICORT.

Some copay assistance programs are specifically designed for certain diseases or conditions. The Patient Advocate Foundation (PAF) offers a Co-Pay Relief (CPR) program that provides direct financial help to qualified individuals with co-payments, co-insurance or cost-sharing associated with prescription drugs through funds dedicated to specific disease states.

Non-profit organizations also offer copay assistance programs. The Patient Access Network Foundation (PAN) offers financial help for out-of-pocket medicine costs, including copays, health insurance premiums, and transportation costs associated with medical care.

Here are some examples of copay assistance programs offered by pharmaceutical companies:

And here are some examples of non-profit copay assistance programs:

AstraZeneca's AZ&Me program offers co-pay savings, patient assistance, and other resources for people prescribed AstraZeneca medicines.

Some programs, like the AZ&Me program, have eligibility criteria that you can learn about to see if you qualify.

As of June 1, 2024, AstraZeneca has capped inhaler prices at $35 for people who are commercially insured or uninsured, including AIRSUPRA and SYMBICORT.

Boehringer Ingelheim has also capped inhaler prices at $35 for commercially insured or uninsured people, including Atrovent HFA, Combivent Respimat, and Spiriva Respimat 1.25 mcg.

The Genentech Patient Foundation provides free Genentech medicines to people without insurance coverage or with financial concerns.

Many programs, such as the Genentech Patient Foundation, have eligibility criteria that you can learn about to see if you qualify.

Organon's Patient Assistance Program provides free medicines to people without prescription drug or health insurance coverage and who cannot afford Organon medicines.

The Patient Access Network Foundation (PAN) offers financial help for out-of-pocket medicine costs, including copays, health insurance premiums, and transportation costs associated with medical care.

Here are some examples of programs that offer copay assistance:

These programs can help reduce the financial burden of prescription medications and make them more accessible to those who need them.

If you're interested in registering for a copay assistance program, there are several tools and resources available to help you. BenefitsCheckUp, a free service of the National Council on Aging, can connect you with benefits you may be eligible for.

You can also use online databases like PhRMA's Medicine Assistance Tool (MAT) or RxAssist to find patient assistance programs that suit your needs. These tools can help you search and apply for programs that can help reduce your copay costs.

To apply for a program, you may need to register or create an account online. For example, the LLS Financial Assistance Copay Portal requires registration before you can start the online application process. You can also contact the program directly by phone to get instructions on how to submit a claim.

Patient Tools and Databases are a great way to get help with prescription costs. BenefitsCheckUp is a free online tool that connects older adults to benefits.

You can also check out NeedyMeds, a national nonprofit that helps people find programs to afford their medicines and other healthcare costs.

PhRMA's Medicine Assistance Tool (MAT) is a search engine for patient assistance resources offered by the biopharmaceutical industry. You can call them at 888-477-2669 for more information.

RxAssist offers a comprehensive database of patient assistance programs, making it easier to find help. SingleCare is another tool that negotiates discounts on prescriptions with pharmacies.

State Health Insurance Assistance Programs (SHIPs) provide free insurance counseling and help to Medicare-eligible people and their families. CalAIM offers Medi-Cal enrollees access to services addressing their physical, behavioral, developmental, dental, and long-term care needs.

Here are some patient tools and databases to consider:

Registering for a program can seem daunting, but it's actually a straightforward process. You can register by phone, and the number to call is (877) 557-2672.

The LLS Financial Assistance Copay Portal is available for patients, caregivers, pharmacies, and healthcare providers. It's open Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

If you're new to the portal, you'll need to register before applying. This involves completing a registration form, submitting it, and receiving a confirmation email with a link to create a password.

To create a portal account, you'll need to complete the registration form, submit it, and then create a password. You'll receive a confirmation email with a link to create a password.

Once you've created a password, you can log in to the LLS Financial Assistance Copay Portal and begin the application process. Make sure to complete all required fields before submitting your application.

If you already have an LLS Financial Assistance Copay Portal account, you can log in and select the Co-Pay Assistance Program to fill out the required fields.

You can also contact the Co-Pay Assistance Program at (877) 557-2672 for instructions on how to submit a claim.

Here are some other helpful resources to keep in mind:

Additionally, some programs have their own patient assistance programs, such as AstraZeneca's AZ&Me program, which may be able to help with medication costs.