Who typically offers patient assistance programs?

Pharmaceutical manufacturers typically offer patient assistance programs as a way to help patients access their medications, especially those who may be uninsured or underinsured. These programs are designed to provide financial assistance, free medications, or discounts to eligible patients to ensure they can obtain the therapies they need. Manufacturers often create these programs to enhance medication adherence and improve health outcomes, as well as to foster goodwill and support for their products.

While insurance companies and government agencies play significant roles in healthcare coverage and accessibility, their primary functions differ from those of pharmaceutical manufacturers. Insurance companies manage health benefit plans and reimbursements, while government agencies may provide funding or oversight for health programs but do not directly supply medications. Non-profit organizations might support health initiatives and provide various forms of assistance, yet they are more focused on broader healthcare services rather than specifically providing medications from manufacturers.