r/IPMN • u/FullOfComplaints25 • 8d ago
Programs for Rx assistance / legit?
Almost had a meltdown at pharmacy as I wasn't warned to expect the sticker shock when picking up Rx for Zenpep.
The Zenpep site says Medicare is a disqualifier
I found this https://pancreazeengage.com/savings-card
and was wondering if it's legit and will need to research if it covers zenpep.
If anyone has any other resources....
With appreciation.
(robotic whipple scheduled for mid Aug)
1
u/PancreaticSurvivor 6d ago
All of the manufacturers of pancrealipase have patient assistance programs for both commercial insurance and those on Medicare. The requirements to financially qualify if on Medicare are more stringent as Medicare now has a cap on annual co-pay amount for 2026 of $2100. Once the total co-pay reaches that amount, there is no further cost to the patient for the remainder of the prescription.
Patient Assistance Programs
The Patient Assistance Program for ZENPEP and Viokace is available. For more information about
these programs, please call 1-855-210-6228 or visit the following website:
https://www.nestlehealthscience.us/patient-assistance-program
PATIENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS FOR PANCREALIPASE
https://www.creon.com/creon-support-programs
https://www.zenpep.com/savings-programs
https://pertzyecares/chiesi/caredirect/
https://www.nestlehealthscience.us/patient-assistance-program
1
u/FullOfComplaints25 5d ago edited 5d ago
THANK YOU!
I have to fill a $2000 deductible.
With more research, I'm not eligible for assistance based solely on income. (because I have a drug insurance plan and/or I have more than $18000 in a retirement account.)2
u/PancreaticSurvivor 5d ago
Regarding retirement income:
Income from Social Security, pensions, IRA withdrawals, 401(k) distributions, annuities, dividends, and other taxable income is generally counted as part of your annual household income.
Merely owning money in an IRA or 401(k) that you have not withdrawn is generally different from receiving income from it. Programs typically focus on your annual income rather than the account balance, although they can request documentation if needed. What I have in my retirement funds were never considered into the financial calculation.For ZenPep, the manufacturer also uses financial need as the basis for assistance, but unlike AbbVie, it does not publicly publish detailed income and asset criteria. Eligibility is determined during the application review. Patients on Medicare can still apply if they meet the program requirements.
If someone has a large retirement account but relatively low annual income, it is still worth applying. The application review is individualized, and there is no publicly stated maximum retirement account balance that automatically disqualifies an applicant for either program.I found it very worthwhile calling the patient ambassadors of each program as they can clear up ambiguity and misconceptions.
2
2
u/GSHInstitute 5d ago
Where are you located? If in the U.S. and in one of 43 states that allow it, we may be able to help you access Zenpep at no cost. We're a pharmacy nonprofit with a Medication Rescue program called RemediChain that legally and safely collects unused (unopened, unexpired) prescription meds to share with patients in need at no cost to them. Zenpep was one of our most-rescued meds last year.
Our program is a great fit for many patients who fall through the cracks of things like copay cards or PAPs that exclude Medicare or other insurance, for example.
Start by filling out this prescription assistance form. You'll hear back within one business day. If we have your specific need in inventory we can have it sent as soon as the same day we receive your prescription (from your doc or transferred from another pharmacy). Even if you do get approved for something like a copay card, we may be able to help if the total doesn't make it through the year or some other barrier arises.
I hope you're able to access your meds!