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Medicare Part D endangers patient assistance drug programs

Case Management Weekly, February 1, 2006

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Advocates for the poor and uninsured are urging drug-makers not to discontinue their patient assistance programs for this group, despite the implementation of the Medicare Part D drug benefit. Several drug companies are ending their patient assistance programs, which provide needy patients with free or discounted drugs, in part because of concerns that, with the advent of Part D, the programs would violate federal anti-kickback rules.

In a letter sent to 14 of the world's largest drug makers, the coalition of advocates argued that completely eliminating the patient assistance programs could have drastic implications for needy senior citizens and disabled patients. The letter said many of these individuals will have difficulty paying for their prescription medications despite the Part D benefit.

Source: Bureau of National Affairs

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