Another approach is to visit the Partnership for Prescription Assistance at www.pparx.org (or call toll-free at 1-888-4PPA-NOW) to access more than 475 public and private assistance programs, including 180 programs offered by pharmaceutical companies.

There's more help at www.NeedyMeds.com, a 10-year old non-profit. This valuable site links you to multiple medications (including generics) and their corresponding PAPs, which frequently change as medications are added/dropped, dosages may change and new programs sometimes appear.

NeedyMeds also offers help with paperwork, access to disease-based programs, details regarding state programs, discount drug cards and even tax return request forms. A Patient Advocate Newsletter, NeedyMeds Brochure and other resources, including a tracking program for offices, are available specifically for advocates at this site.

The bottom line is that resources exist for individuals who have on-going problems and the compassionate people who endeavor to help them...er... us. It's all there for those of us who have the time, expertise and computer to search for assistance. Ultimately, my son regained his health and I gained awareness with a healthy dose of empathy on the side.

See also:

The High Cost of Asthma Prescription Drugs

Covering the Uninsured: Significant Asthma Treatment Challenges