The use of medical prescriptions is a vital part of quality healthcare. Billions of prescriptions are are filled annually in the United States. From medications to clear an ear infection to drugs for chronic diseases like diabetes, access to medication improves quality of life and patient outcomes. Access to medical prescription finance is a sure-fire way to prevent or delay the onset of more costly health problems. On the other hand, the number of people who cannot afford costs associated with prescriptions is reportedly increasing. Senior citizens and chronic disease sufferers face considerable financial burden. In some cases, individuals resort to taking partial medication due to cost constraints. Underuse of medications places sufferers at greater risk of developing serious health complications. It is estimated that at least one in every five adults have at some point failed to fill one prescription. One in seven admitted to minimizing dosage of a prescription to lower cost. Some have also admitted to taking their medication less frequently than what the doctor prescribed.
Many extended stays at the hospital and increased visits to the emergency department are due to skipping or taking lower doses. This is more apparent when it comes to patients with chronic health conditions. Prescription Assistance Programs, or PAPs are designed to alleviate this burden for individuals without prescription coverage or health insurance. The majority of these programs are run by pharmaceutical companies. They provide low cost or free drugs to qualifying patients. To ensure a successful application, it is necessary to take advantage of medical prescription finance agents or advocates. The role played by PAPs enables millions of patients follow recommended doses to improve health outcomes. These medication assistance programs only accept individuals that meet basic eligibility criteria. The majority of patient assistance programs require proof of citizenship or residence, a demonstrated limited or lack of prescription drug coverage in addition to proof of income (low) and asset limitations.
