Post-transplant medications are critical to maintaining your health and well-being after a transplant. If you or a loved one is a transplant recipient who is having difficulties affording necessary medications, there are resources that may help alleviate some of the costs. Talk with your Penn Transplant social worker to discuss your specific situation and take a moment to review the list below. It may help make the costs more affordable.
Online Cost Savings
A good place to start is at www.needymeds.org. The site allows you to search for your specific medications, and lists any cost-savings available. Some examples include:
- coupons
- mail-order programs that offer reduced pricing
- patient assistance programs.
Assistance Programs from Drug Manufacturers
If you are currently under-insured or uninsured, drug manufacturers for immunosuppressant medications have assistance programs available.
Applicants must meet the financial guidelines for the programs, and your Penn Transplant social worker is available to assist you in the application process. These applications are good for one year, so be sure to mark your calendar with a renewal reminder.
Medicare's Extra Help
Individuals on Medicare may be eligible for the Extra Help program.
If the financial qualifications are met, this program can help with annual deductibles, prescription co-payments and monthly premiums. For more information, call 1-800-Medicare or visit www.medicare.gov.
State-Specific Prescription Assistance Programs
Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware offer pharmaceutical assistance programs for eligible residents.
New Jersey
NJ residents may be eligible for Pharmaceutical Assistance for the Aged and Disabled (PAAD). Eligible residents must be 65 or older or 18 or older and receiving disability benefits. Under the program, generic medications would cost $5 and name brand would cost $7. For individuals who do not meet the income guidelines for PAAD, Senior Gold offers higher income guidelines. To find out more information about either program call 1-800-792-9745.
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania residents who are on dialysis or have received a kidney transplant may be eligible for the Pennsylvania Chronic Renal program. This program can assist with the cost of medications pre- and post-transplant. Call 1-800-225-7223 to learn more.
Pennsylvania residents 65 or older may also be eligible for PACE or PACENET, which reduces the costs of prescription medications. To see if you qualify, call 1-800-225-7223.
Delaware
Delaware residents may be eligible for the Chronic Renal Disease Program. Individuals must be on dialysis or have received a kidney transplant. This program will assist with the cost of medications pre and post-transplant. Call 1-800-464-4357 for more information.
Navigating assistance options can be a challenge!
Remember, your Penn Transplant Team is available to answer any questions.