Patient Assistance Programs

Many drug manufacturers have their own prescription discount programs, known as Patient Assistance Programs (PAPs), that provide drugs at no or very low cost to patients who meet their eligibility requirements. PAPs generally have lower income limitations than Ohio’s Best Rx and require frequent renewal of applications, but they can be a great source of additional assistance for people who qualify for them.

The pharmaceutical industry operates a national clearinghouse, Partnership for Prescription Assistance which links patients to information about more than 275 PAPs, including 150 that are operated by drug manufacturers.

Ohio residents may find out if their medications are available through a PAP and apply for a specific program by contacting Rx for Ohio at 1-877-794-6446 or by visiting the website at Rx for Ohio.

Some Ohio counties provide a free resource that assists with researching and applying for these PAPs. Please click here to view some of these programs.

Your local county commissioner may be aware of other local programs providing this type of assistance.

Please Note: With the new Medicare Prescription Drug Program in place some PAPs will not accept applications from those eligible for Medicare. Please contact Rx for Ohio or the individual PAP to investigate.