FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

From Physicians
	Q:	How do I refer patients for your drug assistance program?
	A:	You can call or fax us with the patient information or you can have the patient contact us directly.
	Q:	What do I have to do for my patient to receive medications?
	A:	We complete all required forms and send to the patient. You have to sign the forms and if required, provide the prescriptions.
	Q:	How does the patient receive their medications?
	A:	Almost all medications are sent to your office with a packing slip identifying the drug and the patient.
From Patients/Clients
	Q:	Is this legal? Why have I never heard of this?
	A:	Yes. Pharmaceutical companies began offering benevolent programs over a decade ago for those who have a hardship with affording their prescription drugs.
	Q:	Why do pharmaceutical companies do this?
	A:	They understand that some people cannot afford the medications that they need and they want to make them available to those people.
	Q:	Will I have to change doctors?
	A:	NO. This program is available to all doctors' patients who qualify.
	Q:	Can both myself and my spouse qualify?
	A:	Yes. You must both complete separate applications.
	Q:	Are all medications available?
	A:	No, not all medications are available; however, about 90 percent of the most expensive medications are available. See the Medicine List for a partial listing of the free medications.
	Q:	What kind of medications are offered free by the pharmaceutical companies?
	A:	Expensive medications and medications that are taken for chronic conditions (i.e., medications taken on a regular basis over a period of time). This program is not for medications that are taken for short periods of time for acute conditions.
	Q:	What if the medication I am currently taking is not offered under the program?
	A:	Notify your doctor to see if there is another medication that your doctor can prescribe that does qualify.
	Q:	Will I get name-brand or generic medications?
	A:	Usually, if the name brand equivalent is available, you get the name brand.
	Q:	Are strips, needles or syringes for diabetics available through this program?
	A:	No. This program is only for medications; not for medical equipment or supplies.
	Q:	Is there a limit to the number of medications I can receive under the program?
	A:	No. All medications prescribed by your physician can be received through this program.
	Q:	How do I receive my medications?
	A:	We cannot dictate where your medications are sent. This is dictated by the phamaceutical company as they are responsible for shipping the medications (i.e., we are not a mail order company). Most pharmaceutical companies ship the medications directly to your doctor's office for you to pick up. However, some companies send the medications to your house, while others send them to your pharmacy for pickup (e.g. insulin, which is perishable).
	Q:	How long will the supply of medications last?
	A:	This is dictated by the phamaceutical company. This will usually be a 3-month supply; however, it may be for a longer period of time.
	Q:	How long will it take to get the medications?
	A:	The times vary by pharmaceutical company. On average the medications are received 2 to 5 weeks after the forms are submitted; however, in some cases, it could take up to 10 weeks to receive your medications.
	Q:	How are my medications renewed?
	A:	We monitor your refill process. Prior to the time your medications require a refill and reorder, we contact you to determine if you wish to reorder. If so, we walk you through the refill process required for each medication, complete the required forms, and ensure that all requirements are met.
	Q:	Will I always have a continuous supply of my medications?
	A:	There is always the possibility that there may be gaps in the medication supply. Sometimes unexpected things happen that are beyond our control. We are always working diligently to make sure this never happens.
	Q:	If these medications are FREE, what am I paying for?
	A:	You are paying us (Avenues to Medicine, Ltd. Co.) to manage, track and simplify the tedious administrative process involved with getting the FREE medications.
	Q:	How do I pay?
	A:	You will be invoiced Monthly. You may pay by check or money order. If you applied on-line, you may pay your monthly fees by credit card through PayPal.
	Q:	What happens if my doctor changes my medications?
	A:	Notify us and we will complete the necessary paperwork to get the medication ordered for you.
	Q:	Will I be charged another application fee if my doctor adds a medication?
	A:	No, the application fee is a one-time fee. If your doctor adds a medication, notify us and we will begin the ordering process immediately. The process is the same for each new medication (i.e., we complete the required forms to be signed by you and your physician). As with the ordering of any new medication, after the completed forms are sent to the pharmaceutical company it usually takes 6 to 10 weeks before the medication is sent.
	Q:	What happens if my doctor stops one of my medications?
	A:	Notify us and we will NOT reorder the medication at its time of renewal.
	Q:	Why do the forms and paper work have to be completed each time a new medication is ordered or refilled?
	A:	This is the process as required by the pharmaceutical companies.
	Q:	Why is there a different form for each medication?
	A:	Each pharmaceutical company has their own assistance program, therefore each one has their own process and forms required to order their medications.
	Q:	What do I do when I don't receive all of my medications?
	A:	Contact us (Avenues to Medicine, Ltd. Co.). We will determine the status of the missing medications. Please remember that not all your medications will arrive at the same time. Since each medication may be sent from a different pharmaceutical company, each may be sent at different times. Some may arrive as early as 2 weeks after they are ordered while others may take as long as 8 to 10 weeks.
	Q:	When reviewing the forms that you sent, I noticed that something was incorrect. What should I do?
	A:	Call us and we will make the correction. Please do not try to make the correction.
	Q:	Why do I have to provide my income?
	A:	It is required by the pharmaceutical companies. Please rest assured that your information is strictly confidential and will not be shared with anyone else.
	Q:	I can't find my Social Security income statement?
	A:	Please call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213. Follow the voice prompts to speak to an employee and request a "benefit verification letter" for your current year Social Security earnings.