Patient Assistance Programs for Common Chronic Illness Medications

Medication costs are one of the most brutal parts of chronic illness. The good news is that manufacturer patient assistance programs exist, and they're not widely advertised. Here's what to know.

Hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil)

Hydroxychloroquine has generic versions now, which makes it significantly cheaper than it used to be. If you're still paying too much:

• •GoodRx can reduce the cost dramatically at most pharmacies — sometimes to under $20 for a 30-day supply
• •NeedyMeds.org maintains a database of assistance programs for generics
• •Mark Cuban's Cost Plus Drugs (costplusdrugs.com) carries hydroxychloroquine at transparent low prices

Ivabradine (Corlanor / Lancora)

Ivabradine is used off-label for POTS and is expensive.

• •Amgen Assist 360 (amgen.com/products/corlanor) offers copay assistance for commercially insured patients and a free drug program for those who qualify based on income
• •Call 1-888-4CORLANOR to speak with a program specialist
• •If denied, ask your cardiologist to document medical necessity — this helps with appeals

Fludrocortisone (Florinef)

Fludrocortisone is a generic corticosteroid used for POTS and adrenal insufficiency.

• •It's relatively inexpensive but still worth checking GoodRx and Cost Plus Drugs
• •**NeedyMeds.org** has updated listings for assistance programs
• •Some state pharmaceutical assistance programs (SPAPs) cover it — search your state's name + "pharmaceutical assistance program"

Mycophenolate (CellCept / Myfortic)

Mycophenolate is used for lupus nephritis and other autoimmune conditions.

• •Genentech's OneSource program (1-888-249-4918) offers copay assistance and free drug programs for CellCept
• •Generic mycophenolate is available and significantly cheaper — ask your doctor if substituting the generic is appropriate for your situation
• •RxAssist.org aggregates assistance programs and is worth checking

How to apply for these programs

1. Ask your doctor's office — many have a dedicated staff member who handles prior authorizations and assistance programs 2. Apply yourself at the manufacturer's website (usually takes 10-15 minutes) 3. Keep your tax return or recent pay stubs handy — income verification is usually required for free drug programs 4. Re-apply every year — most programs have annual enrollment periods

You shouldn't have to choose between medication and rent. These programs exist. Use them. 💜