INSURANCE

Laura Mutsko Agent, CSA and Certified Healthcare Reform Specialist

Q: What is a Prescription Assistance Program? A: Access to affordable prescription medication is often a critical component to staying healthy. Unfortunately, with the rising costs of medicines, many people cannot afford their prescription drugs. This is where Patient Assistance Programs (PAPs) may be able to help. Patient Assistance Programs are offered by many drug manufacturers to provide discounted or no-cost prescription medicines for seniors, limited-income individuals, persons with disabilities and those with special circumstances. To learn whether there is a PAP to help with the cost of your medications, you will have to do some investigative work. PAPs are not available for all drugs. And, eligibility guidelines and the application process will vary widely from program to program. While all programs will require you to submit an application, no two applications are the same. Some ask for very detailed medical and financial history while others require very little. Some require a doctor to complete part of the application while others only require a doctor’s signature. All PAPs have income guidelines, but these too can vary widely. PAPs are constantly changing as new medications are added or removed and enrollment requirements are modified. You can find the most current information and application forms online, on the drug manufacturer’s website. Or you can go to www.medicare.gov/ pharmaceutical-assistance-program to search by drug name. Another reliable source for up-to-date information on PAPs is the National Council on Aging’s website, www.BenefitsCheckUp.org. If you do not have access to the internet, or would like assistance, you can check with your local, county or regional senior services department for help you search for a program. Program administrators offer a few tips to help make sure the application process goes smoothly. They suggest you (1) make sure to answer every question completely, (2) securely attach all documents requested, (3) including an addressed, stamped envelope addressed to the PAP when you give the application to your physician or health care provider, and (4) keep a copy of all paperwork for your records. PAPs may not be an answer for everyone but they are the key to low-cost or no-cost prescriptions for many people. The time you invest in a search may be well worth it. If you have questions concerning Health Insurance including Individual, Group, Medicare Advantage Plans or Medicare Supplements, call me at 440255-2500 or email me at Lmutsko@ mutskoinsurance.com. I look forward to helping you. Laura Mutsko Mutsko Insurance Services, LLC 6982 Spinach Drive, Mentor, OH 44060 440-255-5700 www.mutskoinsurance.com