Welcome back! I hope this blog is providing helpful information for people living with cancer. In this post, I want to start a new discussion focusing on State Pharmaceutical Assistance Programs (SPAPs).
What are SPAPs?
In general, SPAPs assist low-income seniors (over age 65) or younger adults with disabilities (under age 65 & diagnosed with a terminal illness or disability that will prevent you from working at least 12 months). SPAPs help pay drug costs that Medicare Part D does not pay.
You are usually required to enroll in a Medicare Part D plan to qualify for SPAPs. Remember that some chemotherapy drugs are covered under Part B. If the drug is not covered by Part B, it may be covered under Part D. You will still need to pay the deductible. The National Council on Aging provides a breakdown of drug expenses that are not paid by Medicare Part D: https://www.mymedicarematters.org/resource/medicare-part-d-cost
Who is eligible?
Not all states offer SPAPs. For an updated list of states that offer programs, go to: https://www.medicare.gov/pharmaceutical-assistance-program/#state-programs
Eligibility criteria and coverage also vary state to state:
- SPAPs for Colorado, Idaho, North Carolina, and Virginia require participants to have a positive HIV status.
- Texas SPAP requires participants to have a positive HIV status or end stage renal disease.
Some states offer more than one SPAP:
- NJ offers PAAD (Pharmaceutical Assistance to the Aged and Disabled Program) and Senior Gold.
- If you live in a state that offers SPAPs, and you qualify for the program, the savings on prescription medications can be significant.
State Prescription Drug Discount Programs:
Many states offer prescription discount programs. Typically, you will save more money with a SPAP, however savings with a discount program can add up. For a full list of discount programs check out: The National Resource Center for Rx Assistance Plans – State Rx Plans
A Word of Caution…. Use the reliable links above to apply for state pharmaceutical assistance programs. There are many websites that look official but are not. There are also many scams asking for your personal information. Do not give out your social security or Medicare ID number to anyone unless you have called them directly.
Next, we will take a closer look at pharmaceutical assistance programs which can help pay for medications regardless of which state you reside in.
I hope this information is helpful. If you would like to continue this conversation, please click on the Subscribe button at the top of the Blog page. I would love to hear your comments as well as resources that have worked for you. Please share this information with your family and friends.
Keeping you in my prayers,
Jackie
For introductory information and to understand the mission of this blog, please see the Introduction at: Introduction | Living with cancer take my hand
