These programs offer free HBV drugs to people with low-incomes who do not qualify for any other insurance or assistance programs, such as Medicaid or Medicare. Different company programs have different eligibility criteria based on the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). The 2010 FPL income for an individual is $10,830 annual income. It is adjusted based on family or household size. 200% FPL is $21,660 annual income for an individual and 300% is $32,490 annual income. A complete table is available here. Unless otherwise stated, companies ask for verification of income, usually in the form of a federal income tax return. Companies also generally consider household income, meaning that a married couple that files joint taxes would be judged on their combined income. People who file individual income tax returns would only have their individual income considered. Always apply for an exception if told you are not eligible.
PAP PROGRAMS FOR HEPATITIS B VIRUS (HBV)
BRISTOL-MYERS SQUIBB
Drugs covered: Baraclude
Contact Information: 800-736-0003 or visit www.bmspaf.org.
Program Details: The PAP is for people who do not qualify for other assistance or health insurance programs and is limited by income. Most programs have limits based on the total household income compared to established FPL percentages. Generally, programs will accept appeals for special circumstances if a person does not initially qualify and is turned down.
GILEAD SCIENCES
Drugs covered: Hepsera, Viread
Contact Information: 800-226-2056 or visit www.hepsera.com
Program Details: The PAP is for people who do not qualify for other assistance or health insurance programs and is limited by income. Most programs have limits based on the total household income compared to established FPL percentages. Generally, programs will accept appeals for special circumstances if a person does not initially qualify and is turned down.
GLAXOSMITHKLINE
Drugs covered: Epivir
Contact Information: 866-475-3678 or www.gskforyou.com
Program Details: The PAP is for people who do not qualify for other assistance or health insurance programs and is limited by income. Most programs have limits based on the total household income compared to established FPL percentages. Generally, programs will accept appeals for special circumstances if a person does not initially qualify and is turned down.
PAP PROGRAMS FOR HEPATITIS C VIRUS (HCV)
JOHNSON & JOHNSON
Drugs covered: Procrit*
Contact Information: 800-652-6227
Program Details: The PAP is for people who do not qualify for other assistance or health insurance programs and is limited by income. Most programs have limits based on the total household income compared to established federal poverty levels. Generally, programs will accept appeals for special circumstances if a person does not initially qualify and is turned down.
*Note: Procrit is not a treatment for HCV, but it is a treatment for anemia, which is a side effect commonly caused by HCV treatment.
GENENTECH/ROCHE
Drugs covered: Pegasys and Copegus
Contact Information: 888-941-3331
Program Details: The PAP is for people who do not qualify for other assistance or health insurance programs and is limited by income. Most programs have limits based on the total household income compared to established federal poverty levels. Generally, programs will accept appeals for special circumstances if a person does not initially qualify and is turned down.
MERCK & CO
Drugs covered: Pegintron, Rebetol and Victrelis
Contact Information: 866-363-6379
Program Details: The PAP is for people who do not qualify for other assistance or health insurance programs and is limited by income. Most programs have limits based on the total household income compared to established federal poverty levels. Generally, programs will accept appeals for special circumstances if a person does not initially qualify and is turned down.
VERTEX PHARMACEUTICALS
Drugs covered: Incivek
Contact Information: 855-837-8394 or www.incivek.com
Program Details: The PAP is for people who do not qualify for other assistance or health insurance programs and is limited by income. Most programs have limits based on the total household income compared to established federal poverty levels. The Incivek PAP helps people whose household income is less than $100,000 per year. Generally, programs will accept appeals for special circumstances if a person does not initially qualify and is turned down.