When I lost my job back in 2003, I started working for my mother (no insurance). When my COBRA ran out, the insurance company had to offer me an individual  plan, but there was no prescription coverage available. I didn't know this until I went to pick up my Betaseron and the cashier blinked her eyes twice, then said "Um, that will be $1,950.00." When I contacted the manufacturer about their financial assistance, and submitted the application, I was told I didn't qualify because I made too much. Who makes enough to afford nearly $2k a month - $24,000/year - for a single prescription?!?! Not including individual insurance (not cheap) and medical bills. I don't know what their criteria is - like you say the guidelines are not published - but you must need to be nearly destitute before they will help you pay for this medicine. Which, by the time I was able to get back on a group insurance plan, was costing me nearly $2,400 a month. I didn't qualify through needymeds.com either. I maxed out two credit cards and had to refinance my house to pay for my Betaseron. Not to discourage anyone from trying, but that was my experience.