In today’s healthcare environment, many patients are uninsured, underinsured, or are simply unable to afford the medications that they require. In order to combat the problem of inaccessible medications to low income individuals and families, a vast number of pharmaceutical companies offer patient assistance programs (PAPs) that provide medical products for free or at a discount to those who qualify. PAPs typically require a doctor’s approval and proof of financial status. Corporate programs, funded and operated by the manufacturers, and foundation programs, which are run through independent, non-profit organizations funded by product manufacturers, are two of the major ways that patient assistant programs are designed and implemented.

Most manufacturers find that while there are many benefits of offering PAPs, this service can be costly to administer. In addition, the regulatory environment is complex, especially since the introduction of Medicare Part D. Companies must continually mind the rules as they fight to preserve a free-market healthcare system by providing medications to people who cannot afford to pay for them.

This conference will arm pharmaceutical companies with methods to maximize enrollment in their PAPs. Further, companies will learn how to run their programs more efficiently – cutting costs while maintaining quality. Through partnerships with nonprofit and government organizations, the industry can further position itself to most effectively provide vital medications to people in need.