Prescription medication costs in the United States are a significant concern for many, with expenses continually rising. Studies indicate that national medical spending is projected to exceed 20% of the economy by 2025, highlighting the growing financial strain on individuals and families. If you’re finding it difficult to manage the increasing costs of your prescriptions, know that you’re not alone, and there are resources available to help. Patient assistance programs, offered by pharmaceutical companies like Shire, are designed to provide crucial support by offering free or discounted medications to eligible patients. For Americans struggling with medication affordability, understanding and utilizing programs like Shire Cares can be a vital step towards accessing necessary healthcare.
Understanding Shire and Shire Cares
Shire, now part of Takeda, has been a prominent figure in biotechnology since 1986, dedicated to developing innovative medical solutions. With a focus on rare diseases and specialized conditions, Shire has produced a range of important medications for patients globally. Beyond their pharmaceutical advancements, Shire demonstrates a commitment to patient well-being through various educational initiatives and patient support programs. In 2016, Shire invested $11 million in educational grants and, through the Shire Cares Patient Assistance Program, aided over 60,000 individuals in accessing free medication. This patient-centric approach underscores their dedication to improving lives beyond just treatment development.
Shire Cares Patient Assistance Program Eligibility: A person considering if they are eligible for free medication through the Shire Cares program.
Eligibility for the Shire Cares Patient Assistance Program
The Shire Cares Patient Assistance Program aims to support individuals with limited or no prescription medication coverage. While the program offers medications at no cost or reduced prices, specific eligibility criteria must be met. To be considered for free medication through Shire Cares, applicants generally need to satisfy the following requirements:
- Age Requirement: Applicants must be at least 18 years of age.
- Residency: Applicants must be citizens of the United States or have legal residential status within the U.S.
- Income Documentation: Applicants are required to provide documentation verifying a household income that is at or below 300% of the National Poverty Level. This income threshold is designed to prioritize assistance for those with the greatest financial need.
It’s important to note that the Shire Cares program may offer some flexibility in certain situations. Individuals with some prescription coverage might still qualify, particularly if their insurance plan involves high deductibles for medications. Similarly, those with Medicaid may be eligible if their specific medication or required co-pays are not covered under their plan. It is worthwhile to explore your eligibility even if you have some form of prescription assistance, as these circumstances do not automatically disqualify you from the Shire Cares program.
Medications Covered by Shire Cares
The Shire Cares Patient Assistance Program provides access to a specific list of Shire medications, either at a discount or completely free for eligible patients. The medications covered under the program include:
- Carbatrol Extended-Release Capsules
- Fosrenol Chewable Tablets
- Fosrenol Oral Powder
- Intuniv Extended-Release Tablets
- Lialda Delayed-Release Tablets
- Mydayis Capsules CII
- Pentasa Controlled-Release Capsules
- Vyvanse Capsules, CII
- Vyvanse Chewable Tablets, CII
- Xiidra 5%
This range of medications addresses various health conditions, and the Shire Cares program ensures that financial constraints do not prevent eligible patients from accessing these necessary treatments.
Navigating Enrollment with Advocate My Meds
Applying for patient assistance programs like Shire Cares can sometimes feel complex. Services like Advocate My Meds are available to simplify this process, offering expert guidance and support to patients seeking affordable medication options. Advocate My Meds assists individuals in identifying suitable patient assistance programs and offers a dedicated customer support team to answer questions and provide assistance throughout the application process. This support aims to streamline enrollment and help patients gain faster access to their needed medications.
Access to a Wider Range of Patient Assistance Programs
For individuals requiring multiple medications, it’s beneficial to consider that Shire Cares is one of many patient assistance programs available. While Shire Cares offers critical support for its specific medications, Advocate My Meds provides access to information and enrollment assistance for over 700 patient assistance programs in total. This broader scope ensures that patients can explore all available options and potentially secure assistance for a wider range of prescriptions beyond those covered by Shire Cares alone.
If you’re seeking to determine your eligibility for free or discounted medications through patient assistance programs, Advocate My Meds is prepared to assist you. Visit the Advocate My Meds website or contact them directly at 877-596-1604 to explore your options and take the first step towards affordable healthcare solutions.
