Pharmaceutical Patient Assistance Programs: Don't Look a Gift Horse in the Mouth or There's No Such Thing as a Free Lunch

What is the Evidence for Pharmaceutical Patient Assistance Programs?: A Systematic Review

“…It has been suggested that pharmaceutical companies use PAPs as a marketing tool to promote the use of their newer, brand-name therapies 5,52 to low-income patients; therefore, applying rigorous study designs and methods is essential to substantiate the true clinical and financial effectiveness of these programs. Specifically, cost-effectiveness studies must be conducted taking into account the differences in health care outcomes (which do not require the complicated valuation process) and costs.…”

“…20 Pharmaceutical patient assistance programs also may lead patients to use particular brand products when there are less costly alternatives available. 5,61 Once the formerly uninsured have health care coverage, they may prefer to continue using these brand-name products, which could lead to higher drug spending. 6 The conduct of full economic evaluations, particularly cost-effectiveness studies from a health care institution perspective, that compare PAP enrollment assistance programs to other medication access strategies would fill a gap in our understanding of which programs, given finite resources, offer the greatest benefits to patients and society.…”

“…Supporters feel that PAPs are an important resource to eligible patients, 1,2 and believe that increased government regulation of these programs would waste time and money 3 and might even discourage companies from continuing these programs. 4 Others are concerned that PAPs may deflect attention from exploring more comprehensive policy solutions, 5 and some question their reach and benefits. 6 Some even question whether reliance on PAPs could reinforce existing disparate outcomes for those without prescription drug coverage.…”

Pharmaceuticals Companies’ Medication Assistance Programs: Potentially Useful but Too Burdensome to Use?

“…3 However, it has also been suggested that MAPs serve as a marketing tool as they encourage use of new and expensive medicines while deflecting current concerns about affordability of prescription drugs. 17 If philanthropy is the goal, pharmaceutical companies should address the barriers faced by physicians’ offices in using MAPs, for example revisiting the income thresholds that are considered by many to be too low, or simplifying the enrollment process that imposes a significant burden on physicians’ offices.…”

“…16 As many as 15.2% of working age adults, more than 5 million people, with chronic conditions did not fill prescription at least once during 2003. 17 …”