Introduction
Are you uninsured? If you do have health coverage, are your prescription co-pays or other co-insurance costs prohibitively expensive? Or does your health plan come with high medication deductibles that you can't afford? Help may be available from pharmaceutical companies in the form of patient assistance programs (PAPs) and co-pay programs.
In recent years, the Fair Pricing Coalition (FPC) has been working closely with the pharmaceutical industry to streamline access to co-pay programs and PAPs for people living with viral hepatitis. The FPC has negotiated co-pay programs with virtually every major hepatitis drug manufacturer. Below is a list of co-pay and patient assistance programs for HIV medications as well as meds for hepatitis B and C, including contact information for these programs. This page will be updated as new treatments are released and in the event that these programs evolve over time.
Different pharmaceutical company programs have different eligibility criteria based on the federal poverty level (FPL). Eligibility for this year is based on last year's income. The figure is adjusted based on family or household size. A complete table is available here. Unless otherwise stated, companies ask for verification of income, usually in the form of a federal income tax return. Companies also generally consider household income, meaning that a married couple that files joint taxes will be judged on their combined income. People who file individual income tax returns will only have their individual income considered. If you are told you are ineligible for assistance, this does not mean there is still no chance for you; you can always appeal to have the decision reversed.
PROGRAMS FOR HIV
Co-Pay Programs
These programs offer assistance to people with private health insurance for the co-payments required to obtain HIV drugs at the pharmacy. Some companies offer co-pay assistance for all of their drugs, including non-HIV drugs.
| AbbVie (formerly Abbott) |
| Drugs covered: Kaletra, Norvir |
| Contact Information: 800-222-6885, or go to the product websites (e.g. www.kaletra.com) |
| Program Details: The co-pay assistance covers the first $200 per Kaletra prescription per month, and the first $50 per Norvir prescription per month. Currently, a person must reapply for the program each year. The program is accessible online or through healthcare providers. |
| Bristol-Myers Squibb |
| Drugs covered: Atripla, Reyataz and Sustiva |
| Contact Information: 888-281-8981 for Sustiva and Reyataz or Atripla or go to the product websites (e.g.www.sustiva.com) |
| Program Details: The program covers the first $200 per-month of your co-payment for Reyataz and Sustiva, and the first $400 for Atripla. Currently, a person must reapply for the program each year. The program is accessible online or through healthcare providers. |
| Genentech/Roche |
| HIV Drugs covered: Fuzeon |
| Contact Information: 866-422-2377, or go to www.genentech-access.com |
| Program Details: Makes contributions to non-profit programs that will cover co-pays for both private insurance patients and Medicare Part D patients. |
| Gilead Sciences |
| Drugs covered: Atripla, Complera, Emtriva, Stribild, Truvada, Tybost, Viread |
| Contact Information: 877-505-6986, or go to product websites (e.g. www.truvada.com) |
| Program Details: The program covers the first $6,000 per year of your co-payment for Atripla, Complera, and Stribild; the first $300 per month/$3,600 per year of your co-payment for Emtriva, Truvada and Viread; and the first $50 per month/$600 per year of your co-payment for Tybost. The program automatically renews annually for enrolled patients. The program is accessible through healthcare providers, community based organizations and pharmacies. |
| Janssen Therapeutics (formerly Tibotec Therapeutics) |
| Drugs covered: Edurant, Intelence, Prezista |
| Contact Information: 866-961-7169 for Edurant, Intelence or Prezista, or go to product websites (e.g.www.prezista.com). You can also get all of the relevant information or forms including an instant savings card at www.janssentherapeutics.com. |
| Program Details: After paying the first $5 of your co-payment, there is no limit on the amount of the remaining co-pay Janssen will cover. Currently, you must reapply for the program each year. The program is accessible online or through healthcare providers. |
| Merck & Co. |
| Drugs covered: Isentress |
| Contact Information: 855-834-3467 or www.isentress.com or www.activatethecard.com/6919/ |
| Program Details: The program covers the first $400 of your co-payment for Isentress for each of 12 eligible prescriptions. Currently, a person must reapply for the program after 12 prescriptions have been filled. The program is accessible online. |
| ViiV Healthcare |
| Drugs covered: Combivir, Epivir, Epzicom, Lexiva, Rescriptor, Retrovir, Selzentry, Tivicay, Triumeq, Trizivir,Viracept and Ziagen |
| Contact Information: 877-844-8872. You can get the card from your provider or print out the card online atwww.mysupportcard.com, or call the number above. To activate the new card, call 855-208-3317 or go towww.activatethecard.com/gsk. |
| Program Details: The program covers the first $200 per-month of your co-payment on Combivir, Epivir, Epzicom, Lexiva, Rescriptor, Retrovir, Selzentry, Trizivir, Viracept and Ziagen and the first $400 per-month of your co-payment for Tivicay and Triumeq. |
Patient Assistance Programs (PAP’s), CPAPA and HarborPath for HIV
Patient Assistance Programs (PAPs) offer free HIV drugs to people who do not qualify for assistance programs such as Medicaid, Medicare, or AIDS Drug Assistance Programs (ADAPs). Different company programs have different eligibility criteria based on the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) Eligibility for this year is based on last year's income. The figure is adjusted based on family or household size. A complete table isavailable here. A complete table is available here.
Unless otherwise stated, companies ask for verification of income, usually in the form of a federal income tax return. Companies also generally consider household income, meaning that a married couple that files joint taxes would be judged on their combined income. People who file individual income tax returns would only have their individual income considered. Always apply for an exception if told you are not eligible.
Two other recent developments that will potentially ease access to PAPs are the Common PAP Application (CPAPA) and HarborPath. The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), along with seven pharmaceutical companies, the National Alliance of State and Territorial AIDS Directors (NASTAD), and community stakeholders developed a common patient assistance program application that can be used by both providers and patients. Before, patients and advocates had to fill out different sets of paperwork for each company; the new application should help simplify this process, however the form still has to be sent to each company program you are applying to for assistance. Click here for the form.
HarborPath is a non-profit organization that helps uninsured individuals living with HIV/AIDS gain access to brand-name prescription medicines at no cost, by providing case managers with a single "one-stop shopping" online portal for PAP applications and medication fulfillment through a mail-order pharmacy. Currently in its pilot phase in six states with most HIV pharmaceutical companies on board for ADAP waiting list clients, there are plans for expansion, including adding medicines for hepatitis C. (Merck participates with its HCV drug Victrelis.) Go to harborpath.org for more information.
Please note:
 | Most companies are using HarborPath for ADAP waiting list patients.
|
| Boehringer Ingelheim and Genentech are covering ADAP waiting list patients only through their own PAPs.
|
| Other companies are covering ADAP waiting list patients through both HarborPath and their own PAPs.
|
| Some companies are also covering ADAP disenrolled clients through their own PAP programs and some are not.
|
| If an ADAP patient has been disenrolled because the state has lowered FPL eligibility, the drug company FPL may also be too low to cover them. Check the individual company PAP criteria; and always apply for an exception if you are told you are not eligible. |
In some instances, Medicare Part D clients, as well as the underinsured who have co-insurance, deductibles, caps or co-pays they cannot afford, are covered 100% by the PAP; eligibility is based on both projected out of pocket drug/medical expenses and income. Both underinsured and people with no insurance who are initially denied coverage through the PAP should always ask for an exception or an appeal.
| AbbVie (formerly Abbott) |
| Drugs covered: Kaletra, Norvir |
| Contact Information: 800-222-6885 or go to product specific websites (e.g. www.kaletra.com). |
| Program Details: The PAP is for people who do not qualify for other assistance. AbbVie’s program covers people with incomes up to 500 percent of the FPL. AbbVie does not request income verification and they only consider the income of the individual. In some instances, Medicare Part D clients, as well as the underinsured who have co-insurance, deductibles, caps or co-pays they cannot afford, are covered 100% by the PAP; eligibility is based on both projected out of pocket drug/medical expenses and income. Both the underinsured and people with no insurance who are initially denied coverage through the PAP should always ask for an exception or an appeal. AbbVie currently participates in the HarborPath ADAP waiting list program. |
| Boehringer Ingelheim |
| Drugs covered: Aptivus, Viramune XR |
| Contact Information: 800-556-8317 or www.rxhope.com or www.pparx.org. |
| Program Details: The PAP is for people who do not qualify for other assistance. BI’s program covers people with incomes up to 500 percent of the FPL. In some instances, Medicare Part D clients, as well as the underinsured who have co-insurance, deductibles, caps or co-pays they cannot afford, are covered 100% by the PAP; eligibility is based on both projected out of pocket drug/medical expenses and income. Both underinsured and people with no insurance who are initially denied coverage through the PAP should always ask for an exception or an appeal. BI currently does not participate in the HarborPath ADAP waiting list program. |
| Bristol-Myers Squibb |
| Drugs covered: Atripla, Reyataz and Sustiva |
| Contact Information: 888-281-8981 or www.bms.com or go to product websites (e.g. www.sustiva.com). The Atripla PAP is handled separately at 866-290-4767 or go to www.atripla.com. |
| Program Details: The PAP is for people who do not qualify for other assistance. The BMS program covers people with incomes up to 500 percent of the FPL. In some instances, Medicare Part D clients, as well as the underinsured who have co-insurance, deductibles, caps or co-pays they cannot afford, are covered 100% by the PAP; eligibility is based on both projected out of pocket drug/medical expenses and income. Both underinsured and people with no insurance who are initially denied coverage through the PAP should always ask for an exception or an appeal. BMS makes exceptions to their income eligibility criteria.BMS currently participates in the HarborPath ADAP waiting list program. |
| Genentech/Roche |
| HIV Drugs covered: Fuzeon |
| Contact Information: 877-757-6243 |
| Program Details: The PAP is for people who do not qualify for other assistance .Genentech’s program covers people with incomes up to 950 percent of the FPL. Genentech does not currently participate in the HarborPath ADAP waiting list program. Genentech will also assist Medicare Part D clients, as well as the underinsured who have co-insurance, deductibles, caps or co-pays they cannot afford, by referring them to non-profit foundations that may be able to assist them; eligibility is based on both projected out of pocket drug/medical expenses and income. |
| Gilead Sciences |
| Drugs covered: Atripla, Complera, Emtriva, Stribild, Truvada, Tybost, Viread |
| Contact Information: 800-226-2056 or go to www.gilead.com/us_advancing_access. The Atripla PAP is handled separately at 866-290-4767 or go to www.atripla.com. |
| Program Details: The PAP is for people who do not qualify for other assistance. Gilead’s program covers people with incomes up to 500 percent of FPL. In some instances, Medicare Part D clients, as well as the underinsured who have co-insurance, deductibles, caps or co-pays they cannot afford, are covered 100% by the PAP; eligibility is based on both projected out of pocket drug/medical expenses and income. Both underinsured and people with no insurance who are initially denied coverage through the PAP should always ask for an exception or an appeal. Gilead currently participates in the HarborPath ADAP waiting list program. |
| Janssen Therapeutics (formerly Tibotec Therapeutics) |
| Drugs covered: Edurant, Intelence, Prezista |
| Contact Information: 800-652-6227 or www.jjpaf.org or product-specific website (e.g. www.prezista.com). |
| Program Details: The PAP is for people who do not qualify for other assistance. Janssen’s program covers people with incomes up to 200 percent of FPL, but makes exceptions to their FPL eligibility criteria. In some instances, Medicare Part D clients, as well as the underinsured who have co-insurance, deductibles, caps or co-pays they cannot afford, are covered 100% by the PAP; eligibility is based on both projected out of pocket drug/medical expenses and income. Both underinsured and people with no insurance who are initially denied coverage through the PAP should always ask for an exception or an appeal. Janssen currently participates in the HarborPath ADAP waiting list program. |
| Merck & Co. |
| Drugs covered: Crixivan, Isentress |
| Contact Information: 800-850-3430 or www.isentress.com |
| Program Details: The PAP is for people who do not qualify for other assistance. Merck’s program covers people with incomes up to 500 percent of the FPL. In some instances, Medicare Part D clients, as well as the underinsured who have co-insurance, deductibles, caps or co-pays they cannot afford, are covered 100% by the PAP; eligibility is based on both projected out of pocket drug/medical expenses and income. Both underinsured and people with no insurance who are initially denied coverage through the PAP should always ask for an exception or an appeal. Merck currently participates in the HarborPath ADAP waiting list program. |
| ViiV Healthcare |
| Drugs covered: Combivir, Epivir, Epzicom, Lexiva, Rescriptor, Retrovir, Selzentry, Tivicay, Triumeq, Trizivir,Viracept and Ziagen |
| Contact Information: 877-784-4842 or www.viivhealthcareforyou.com. |
| Program Details: The PAP is for people who do not qualify for other ViiV’s program covers people with incomes up to 500 percent of the FPL. In some instances, Medicare Part D clients are covered 100% by the PAP after $600 out of pocket patient expenses. People initially denied coverage through the PAP should always ask for an exception or an appeal. ViiV currently participates in the HarborPath ADAP waiting list program. |
PROGRAMS FOR VIRAL HEPATITIS
Co-Pay Programs
These programs offer assistance to people with private insurance for the co-payments required to obtain hepatitis B and/or hepatitis C drugs at the pharmacy.
Hepatitis B Virus (HBV)
| Bristol-Myers Squibb |
| Drugs covered: Baraclude |
| Contact Information: 855-898-0267 or www.baraclude.com/all-in-one-access-program.aspx. Ask the operator to speak to someone about the Baraclude Co-pay Benefits Program and ask for a card to be mailed to you. |
| Program Details: The program covers up to $400 per co-pay. Provides up to $400 per prescription for eligible patients without prescription benefits. |
| Gilead Sciences |
| Drugs covered: Viread |
| Contact Information: 877-627-0415 or www.viread.com/en/my_access.aspx |
| Program Details: This program is for patients who are uninsured or who pay their prescription costs in full. Depending on eligibility, this program may pay up to the entire amount of the co-pay for HBV treatment using Viread. |
Hepatitis C Virus (HCV)
| AbbVie Inc. |
| Drugs covered: Viekira Pak (ombitasvir + paritaprevir + ritonavir) + (dasabuvir), Moderiba (ribavirin) |
| Contact Information: For Viekira, 844-277-6233 or www.viekira.com/proceed-program. For Moderiba, 844-663-3742 or www.moderiba.com/patient-support/financial. |
| Program Details: For Viekira, contact company to determine eligibility and amount of coverage. For Moderiba, $5 out-of-pocket co-pay card may be printed from website (for those who are eligible). |
| Genentech/Roche |
| Drugs covered: Pegasys and Copegus |
| Contact Information: 888-202-9939 or www.activatethecard.com/pegasys/welcome.html |
| Program Details: After you pay $25, the card pays 80 percent of co-pays up to $1,500 to $2,400 a year, depending on your income. Call or enroll in the co-pay card program online. |
| Gilead Sciences |
| Drugs covered: Harvoni (sofosbuvir + ledipasvir), Sovaldi (sofosbuvir) |
| Contact Information: 855-7MY-PATH (855-769-7284) or www.MySupportPath.com |
| Program Details: The Co-pay Coupon Program reduces co-pays to $5 in most cases for those who qualify. Financial aid for as much as $16,000 is also available to go toward prescription deductibles and coinsurance obligations. The program is open to those with a maximum household income of $100,000 for up to a family of three, and 500 percent of federal poverty level for families with four or more members. |
| Kadmon Pharmaceuticals |
| Drugs covered: Ribasphere (ribavirin) |
| Contact Information: 800-364-4767 orwww.hcvadvocate.org/community/community_pdf/Riba_CoPay_Cards.pdf |
| Program Details: The Ribasphere Ribapak CoPay Savings Card assists those who qualify by reducing their co-pays or coinsurance for Ribasphere to no more than $5 a month. Complete the form on the website, print, and take with Ribasphere prescription and insurance card to your pharmacist. |
| Janssen/Johnson & Johnson |
| Drugs covered: Olysio (simeprevir) |
| Contact Information: 855-5-OLYSIO (855-565-9746) or www.olysio.com |
| Program Details: The Janssen Therapeutics Patient Savings program assists those who qualify by reducing their co-pays or coinsurance for Olysio to as little as $5 per fill. The maximum financial assistance is $50,000 for the 12-month period after you qualify. To qualify, your household income must be under 500 percent of federal poverty level, although you can appeal for total coverage if your income is higher. |
| Merck & Co. |
| Drugs covered: PegIntron and Victrelis |
| Contact Information: 866-939-4372 or www.victrelis.com and www.pegintron.com |
| Program Details: Victrelis: People can print out a card at www.victrelis.com which offers eligible patients savings of up to 20 percent of the total cost of each Victrelis prescription, on up to 12 prescriptions (which would be a full 44 weeks of treatment for those who need it for that duration). PegIntron: People can print out a card at www.pegintron.com which offers eligible patients up to $200 savings on their co-payment for each Pegintron prescription up to 12 prescriptions. |
PAP Programs
These programs offer free hepatitis B or C drugs to lower-income people with who are uninsured or underinsured and who do not qualify for insurance programs such as Medicaid or Medicare.
Hepatitis B Virus (HBV)
| Bristol-Myers Squibb |
| Drugs covered: Baraclude |
| Contact Information: 855-898-0267 or visit www.baraclude.com/all-in-one-access-program.aspx |
| Program Details: The PAP is for people who do not qualify for other assistance or health insurance programs and is limited by income. Most programs have limits based on the total household income compared to established FPL percentages. Generally, programs will accept appeals for special circumstances if a person does not initially qualify and is turned down. |
| Gilead Sciences |
| Drugs covered: Hepsera, Viread |
| Contact Information: 800-226-2056 or visit www.gilead.com/us_advancing_access |
| Program Details: The PAP is for people who do not qualify for other assistance or health insurance programs and is limited by income. Most programs have limits based on the total household income compared to established FPL percentages. Generally, programs will accept appeals for special circumstances if a person does not initially qualify and is turned down. |
| GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) |
| Drugs covered: Epivir |
| Contact Information: 866-728-4368 or www.bridgestoaccess.com; 866-518-4357 or www.gsk-access.com |
| Program Details: GSK's Bridges to Access program is for people who do not qualify for other assistance or health insurance programs and is limited by income. Most programs have limits based on the total household income compared to established FPL percentages. Generally, programs will accept appeals for special circumstances if a person does not initially qualify and is turned down. The GSK Access program offers medication at no cost for qualified patients who are enrolled in a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan. |
Hepatitis C Virus (HCV)
| AbbVie Inc. |
| Drugs covered: Viekira Pak (ombitasvir + paritaprevir + ritonavir) + (dasabuvir), Moderiba (ribavirin) |
| Contact Information: 844-776-2333 or www.viekira.com |
| Program Details: Contact company to determine eligibility and amount of coverage. |
| Genentech/Roche |
| Drugs covered: Pegasys and Copegus |
| Contact Information: 888-941-3331 or www.pegasysaccesssolutions.com |
| Program Details: The PAP is for people who do not qualify for other assistance or health insurance programs and is limited by income. Most programs have limits based on the total household income compared to established federal poverty levels. Generally, programs will accept appeals for special circumstances if a person does not initially qualify and is turned down. |
| Gilead Sciences |
| Drugs covered: Harvoni (sofosbuvir + ledipasvir), Sovaldi (sofosbuvir) |
| Contact Information: 855-769-7284 or www.MySupportPath.com |
| Program Details: Called Support Path, Gilead's program may provide Harvoni or Sovaldi coverage for free to those with a maximum household income of $100,000 for up to a family of three, and 500 percent of federal poverty level for families with four or more members. You can also contact Support Path for assistance finding other sources of health coverage, such as through Medicaid, Medicare or the Affordable Care Act. |
| Janssen/Johnson & Johnson |
| Drugs covered: Olysio (simeprevir), Procrit* |
| Contact Information: Olysio 855-5-OLYSIO (855-565-9747) or www.olysio.com/hcp/experience; Procrit 800-652-6227 or www.jjpaf.org |
| Program Details: The Johnson & Johnson Patient Assistance Foundation will provide free coverage of Olysio to those who qualify. The income limit is 500 percent of the federal poverty level, although you can appeal if your income is higher than that. For Procrit, the income cap is 400 percent FPL. |
| *Procrit is a treatment that may be prescribed off-label for anemia that may occur when ribavirin is used in the hepatitis C treatment regimen. |
| Merck & Co. |
| Drugs covered: Pegintron and Victrelis |
| Contact Information: 866-363-6379 or www.merckhelps.com |
| Program Details: The ACT Program can help you answer questions related to insurance coverage and reimbursement. Program specialists can also help you apply for the PAP. The PAP is for people who do not qualify for other assistance or health insurance programs and is limited by income. Most programs have limits based on the total household income compared to established federal poverty levels. Generally the program will accept appeals for special circumstances if a person does not initially qualify and is turned down, provided they fall within the 500 percent FPL income eligibility requirement. |
The information on this page is based on a document originally produced by the Fair Pricing Coalition, an ad hoc group of activists who advocate with the pharmaceutical industry regarding the price and patient access to HIV and viral hepatitis drugs. For more information, please visit www.fairpricingcoalition.org. |
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