Certain pharmaceutical companies offer a Patient Assistance Program (PAP). We here at MVHC provide a FREE ADVOCACY PROGRAM to assist you with the application process, gathering the required income verification documents, obtaining your doctor’s signatures and prescriptions, mailing applications, processing refills at your request, receiving the medication and then notification of its arrival to our office. Every company that offers a PAP will have their own eligibility criteria and qualifications for enrollment. In general, these savings programs are for patients who are unable to pay for their medications and do not have any private or public prescription drug insurance coverage. Most programs have income requirements, and patients will need to provide proof of income along with other documentation that verifies their eligibility on an annual basis. The criteria differ for each medication and for each drug company. Pharmaceutical companies provide patient assistance programs voluntarily--they are not required by law to offer them and can change the process or even discontinue a medication at any time. Your healthcare provider at MVHC will refer you to this department if they if they prescribe a covered medication and to determine if you are eligible to receive free medication.