When it comes to finding financial assistance in paying for expensive medications, the process is not often an easy one.  Many of the pharmaceutical companies which produce drugs specific for the treatment of multiple sclerosis make available financial assistance to patients in need.  This is for the benefit of the patient but also for the drug company.  Face it, they wish for you to be able to continue to use their medication and not move to the competition which might have better assistance available.

Often each company will run their own program or make contributions to independent foundations which handle the administration of “free medication” or copayment assistance.  Then, don’t forget about sources of lower cost generic drugs and/or drug coupon programs.

NeedyMeds and the National Multiple Sclerosis Society have collaborated to create an Multiple Sclerosis Resource Page: http://www.needymeds.org/resourcepages/ms.shtml

This post is long, so keep scrolling through until you find your drug and/or the appropriate assistance program for you!  Also, if you need help figuring out where you stand in relation to the Federal Poverty Level (FPL), use this page from the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services Web site, which has a useful table: http://aspe.hhs.gov/poverty/09poverty.shtml

1. ASSISTANCE FROM THE MANUFACTURER

Avonex Access Program
The patient must be uninsured or underinsured and meet income guidelines that are not disclosed. The patient must also have MS. The patient must also be a US resident. Patients will be referred to a financial counselor to determine assistance. Those with Medicare Part D may eligible. Decisions made on a case by case basis. There is no application. Some income documentation may be requested.

Avonex Access Program

5000 Davis Drive, P.O. Box 13919, Research Triangle Park, Morrisville, NC 27709
Phone: (800) 456-2255, Opt 2 or (617) 914-6524
Fax: (877) 301-5140
Program website: http://www.avonex.com/msavProject/avonex.portal

Betaseron Patient Assistance Program
The patient must meet insurance and financial guidelines that are not disclosed. meet income guidelines that are not disclosed. The patient must also have MS. The patient must also be a US resident. The support program is very detailed, including registered nurse counselors who are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. They also provide training if needed.

Betaseron Patient Assistance Program

P.O. Box 221349, Charlotte, NC 28222-1349
Phone: (877) 836-5724
Fax: (877) 744-5615
Application: http://www.needymeds.org/papforms/betase0112.pdf

Access Specialists, a part of the BETAPLUS™ MS support program, are available to answer your questions and work directly with your insurance or managed care company to help determine your pharmacy benefits, seek prior authorization for your medication, and handle appeals and other coverage issues.