Skip to main content

Financial Assistance Types

Not all financial assistance works the same way. Here's what each type offers, how to use it, and where to start based on your situation.

Where to Start

Copay Card

Foundation Assistance

Patient Assistance Program (PAP)

Use free trials, rebates and samples to bridge gaps at any point.

Provided by the Drug Manufacturer

Copay Card
A discount card from the drug manufacturer that lowers your out-of-pocket cost at the pharmacy.

How to use it

After applying on the program website, present the card at the pharmacy like a coupon. Many are digital and can be saved to your phone.

Good to know

  • Not valid with government insurance
  • Annual re-enrollment required
  • Monthly and annual savings caps apply
  • Coverage changes may end eligibility

If your coverage ends

  • Need additional helplook into foundation assistance
  • No insuranceask about a Patient Assistance Program (PAP)
Free Trial Offer
A short-term program from a manufacturer that lets patients start a medication at no cost. It helps doctors begin treatment immediately, bridge insurance or access delays, reduce out-of-pocket costs, improve adherence, and let patients try a therapy before committing.

How to use it

Sign up through the manufacturer's website or ask your doctor or pharmacy. Typically applied at the pharmacy like a coupon.

Good to know

  • Available regardless of insurance status
  • Temporary only; usually limited to one use per lifetime
  • Limited to specific medications
  • Useful as a bridge while waiting for other assistance

If your coverage ends

  • Commercial insuranceconsider a copay card
  • Need additional fundingapply for foundation assistance
  • No insuranceask about a PAP
Rebate
A refund from the manufacturer after you've already paid for your medication.

How to use it

Pay at the pharmacy, then submit a claim online or by mail. Reimbursement is sent after processing.

Good to know

  • You must pay upfront
  • Reimbursement processing can take time
  • Typically available for commercial insurance
  • Limited to specific medications

If your coverage ends

  • Commercial insurancecheck copay card options
  • Need additional helpexplore foundation assistance
  • No insuranceask about a PAP
Sample
A small supply of medication given directly by your doctor, usually enough for a few days.

How to use it

Ask your doctor at your appointment. Samples are provided directly from the office.

Good to know

  • Available regardless of insurance status
  • Very limited supply; not a long-term solution
  • Only available through your doctor's office
  • Useful as a short-term bridge

If your coverage ends

  • Commercial insuranceconsider a copay card
  • Need additional fundingapply for foundation assistance
  • No insuranceask about a PAP
Patient Assistance Program (PAP)
Ongoing free or low-cost medication from the manufacturer for patients who qualify based on income and insurance.

How to use it

Apply through the manufacturer's website or with help from your doctor or pharmacy. Medication is typically shipped to you or your provider.

Good to know

  • Reapplication required every 6-12 months
  • Based on income and insurance eligibility
  • Requires documentation; approval is not guaranteed
  • May take time to process

If your coverage ends

  • Reapply as soon as eligible
  • Ask about temporary assistance while waiting
  • Explore foundation or copay options if insurance changes

Provided by Charitable Organizations

Foundation Assistance
A grant from a charitable organization to help cover medication costs, not tied to the drug manufacturer.

How to use it

Apply directly through the foundation's website. If approved, funds are typically applied toward your treatment costs or copays. You will be given billing information to provide to your pharmacy.

Good to know

  • Funding availability is limited and can close quickly
  • Eligibility based on diagnosis, income, and funding status
  • Grants cover a set dollar amount or time period
  • Some foundations now support both government and commercially insured patients

If your coverage ends

  • Save your search in Omediq to get alerts when funding opens
  • Commercial insuranceconsider copay cards or bridge options
  • No insuranceask about a PAP

How They're Different

Type
Insurance Requirement
Key Limitations
Patient Assistance Program (PAP)
Uninsured or underinsured
  • Strict eligibility requirements
  • Complex and time consuming paperwork
  • Requires ongoing documentation and renewals
Copay Card
Commercial insurance
  • Monthly and annual savings caps
  • Not valid with government insurance
Free Trial Offer
Any insurance type, including uninsured
  • Temporary only, usually 1 time use per lifetime
  • Limited to specific medications
Rebate
Commercial insurance
  • You pay upfront and get reimbursed later
  • Reimbursement processing can be slow
Sample
Any insurance type, including uninsured
  • Very limited supply
  • Only available at doctor's office
Foundation Assistance
Typically for Medicare patients, expanding to other government insurance types and commercial insurance
  • Funding opens and closes quickly
  • Strict income and eligibility requirements

Patient Assistance Program (PAP)

Insurance Requirement

Uninsured or underinsured

Key Limitations

  • Strict eligibility requirements
  • Complex and time consuming paperwork
  • Requires ongoing documentation and renewals

Copay Card

Insurance Requirement

Commercial insurance

Key Limitations

  • Monthly and annual savings caps
  • Not valid with government insurance

Free Trial Offer

Insurance Requirement

Any insurance type, including uninsured

Key Limitations

  • Temporary only, usually 1 time use per lifetime
  • Limited to specific medications

Rebate

Insurance Requirement

Commercial insurance

Key Limitations

  • You pay upfront and get reimbursed later
  • Reimbursement processing can be slow

Sample

Insurance Requirement

Any insurance type, including uninsured

Key Limitations

  • Very limited supply
  • Only available at doctor's office

Foundation Assistance

Insurance Requirement

Typically for Medicare patients, expanding to other government insurance types and commercial insurance

Key Limitations

  • Funding opens and closes quickly
  • Strict income and eligibility requirements
  • icon of an arrow hitting a target in the bullseye representing a perfect program match

    Search and
    Determine Eligibility

    Omediq will match you with medication assistance programs based on your eligibility.

  • icon of a pencil applying to a foundation or copay program

    Apply for
    Financial Assistance

    Once you find a program, we direct you to the program's website to complete the application.

  • icon of a paper airplane representing sending off the details to your pharmacy

    Show Enrollment
    to Your Pharmacy

    Your pharmacy will use your financial assistance when billing for your medication.

Never Miss a Funding Opportunity

  • Save your insurance and household details for faster results
  • Track saved searches and new program matches in real time
  • Get email or text alerts the moment foundation funding opens
Woman smiling while checking grant updates on her phone