AVONEX

Program Description:  Biogen Idec offfers numerous patient assistance programs for new and existing patients.  Patient assistance services can range from co-pay assistance, alternative funding to assist with the cost of therapy and free drug programs.  The Access Program is one of several Biogen Idec patient assistance programs.  This program is tailored to address the various needs of patients based on their insurance and financial circumstances.  Additionally, a patient may be referred to an alternative funding source for assistance.  Biogen Idec partners will investigate the benefit structure of the patient's insurance plan and will research ways a patient can maximize coverage.  They also look into supplemental sources of coverage and funding for treatment, if required.

Eligibility:  Patients must be using Avonex and be a U.S. resident.

Application Process:  Patients should call Biogen Idec at 1-800-456-2255.

BETASERON

Program Description:  The Betaseron Patient Assistance Program provides Betaseron to patients who meet program eligibility criteria and are otherwise unable to gain access to therapy.

Eligibility:  Based on household income, insurance status and patient residency.  Patients will not qualify for the program if they exceed the financial eligibility guidelines, have adequate private insurance coverage or qualify for certain federal or state assistance program (e.g. Medicaid) for Betaerson, reside outside the U.S. or if they are not being treated by a U.S. physician.

Application Process:  There is a two-part application.  Part one is for the patient advocate to complete regarding the patient demographic, insurance and income information.  The patient also needs to submit proof of income.  Part two is for the health care provider to complete regarding prescriber contact information and prescription.  Once the completed forms are received, the application is reviewed, and the patient and provider are notified of a decision within two business days.  Applications may be downloaded at www.needymeds.com

COPAXONE

Program Description:  A co-pay assistance program is available through Shared Solutions for those who qualify.  There is also assistance for Medicare Part D and free product for those who qualify.

Eligibility:  For the private co-pay program the patient must not receive coverage from any federal or state government assistance program, including but not limited to Medicare, Medicaid, TRICARE or a PACE program.  There are also a few states that prohibit us from providing assistance to their residents.

Application Process:  An application will need to be completed and if you have insurance please have that information readily available.  Call Shared Solutions at 1-800-887-8100.  You will be put in touch with a benefits investigator.

REBIF

Program Description:  The MS LifeLines Access Made Simple Program provides simplified and affordable access to therapy for people with relapsing forms of MS.  The program is available to U.S. patients who have either been newly prescribed Rebif by their physician or who have restarted Rebif therapy after having discontinued it for more than 90 days.  All eligible participants will receive up to one year of therapy regardless of income level, whith no more than a $50 co-pay per month required of any patient.

Eligibility:  This program is only available to patients who are U.S. residents.  Patients enrolled in Medicare Part D are not eligible; they may apply for financial assistance via the MS LifeLines Medicare Part D Patient Assistance Program.  Patients residing in certain states, as well as patients covered by federal and state healthcare programs, also may not be eligilble.

Application Process:  Patients should call MS LifeLines at 1-877-447-3243.

TYSABRI

Program Description:  Biogen Idec offfers numerous patient assistance programs for new and existing patients.  Patient assistance services can range from co-pay assistance, alternative funding to assist with the cost of therapy and free drug programs.  The Access Program is one of several Biogen Idec patient assistance programs.  This program is tailored to address the various needs of patients based on their insurance and financial circumstances.  Additionally, a patient may be referred to an alternative funding source for assistance.  Biogen Idec partners will investigate the benefit structure of the patient's insurance plan and will research ways a patient can maximize coverage.  They also look into supplemental sources of coverage and funding for treatment, if required.

Eligibility:  Patients must be using Tysabri and be a U.S. resident.

Application Process:  Patients should call Biogen Idec at 1-800-456-2255.

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OTHER HELPFUL RESOURCES

AFFORDABLE HEALTH CARD:  1-800-214-0611
www.affordablehealthcard.com
A nationwide discount program for member individuals, groups, and seniors.  The participating providers include physicians, hospitals, pharmacies, dental and vision specialists, and more.

MEDCO HEALTH SOLUTIONS:  1-877-733-6765
www.yourplan.com
Members receive discounts at participating pharmacies.

NATIONS HEALTH:  1-800-977-9655
www.rxbenefits.com
Members receive discounts at participating pharmacies.

RX DRUG CARD:  1-888-216-2461
www.rxdrugcard.com
Members receive discounts at participating pharmacies.

TOGETHER RX ACCESS CARD:  1-800-444-4106
www.togetherrxaccess.com
Nationwide discount card program restricted to those who meet income guidelines and have no other prescription drug coverage.  Discounts on approximately 275 prescription drugs manufactured by ten leading companies, no membership fee.