HELPING PATIENTS SEEK FINANCIAL AID TO BUY MEDICINE (CONT.)

who aren't poor enough to qualify for Medicaid. These include specific
programs for AIDS patients, children, or the elderly.

Most patient-assistance programs require enrollees to have incomes at or below 200% of the federal poverty level, or about $42,000 for a family of four. But patient advocates say consumers shouldn't assume they don't qualify. Some programs allow incomes as high as 400% of the poverty level.

Advocates encourage patients to call the programs or write a personal letter in applying for programs, especially if they don't have a tax return, or if the latest return doesn't reflect a recent job layoff or change in circumstances.

SOURCES FOR HELP WITH PRESCRIPTION DRUGS

Patient-assistance programs:
-www.NeedyMeds.org lets patients search for applicable programs, download applications, search for local help with paperwork and find assistance based on location or disease.

-Partnerships for Prescription Assistance (www.pparx.org, or 1-888-477-2669) helps match patients to more than 475 private and public programs with aid of an online tool and has information on other types of assistance, such as help with copayments and premiums.