How Novartis Helps Cover the Costs of Its Medications

Addressing High Prescription Costs

Domestically, high prescription expenses can be a daunting barrier in America for patients, especially those with poor insurance coverage. To counter that challenge, Novartis established the Novartis Patient Assistance Foundation, Inc. (NPAF), a non-profit foundation that makes free Novartis treatments available to patients in need. The initiative is in line with Novartis's promise not to allow cost to be a barrier to essential treatments.

Regarding the Novartis Patient Assistance Foundation

NPAF is a 501(c)(3), independent non-profit that gives assistance to those patients who:

• Live in the USA or Territories: The job seeker is expected to have a residence in America.
• No Prescription Drug Coverage: Individuals with minimal or no prescription drug coverage.
• Meet Income Eligibility Requirements: Income varies by household size as well as by prescribed medication.

By meeting these requirements, the foundation aims at closing gaps in care for those patients who could not afford necessary care due to cost restraints.

Eligibility Requirements

Qualifying requirements in order to be supported by NPAF are as follows:

• Residency: Be a resident in the United States or its territories.
• Insurance Status: Either no prescription insurance coverage at all.
• Income Level: Meet income requirements that are on a sliding scale basis as established by the Federal Poverty Level, also varying with household size.
• Prescription Validity: Have a valid prescription for a Novartis drug.
• Healthcare Provider: Be treated on an outpatient basis by a licensed healthcare provider in the United States.

Please note that income requirements will differ with each drug. Income thresholds for drugs like Cosentyx as well as Entresto are specified in comprehensive guidelines provided by NPAF.

Application Procedure

Accessing aid from NPAF is a stepwise process:

1. Check Eligibility: Visit the NPAF website in order to examine in-depth eligibility requirements for your prescribed drug.
2. Complete the Application: Fill out the application form available on the website. Ensure all required fields are completed.
3. Gather Documentation: Include necessary documents, such as copies of insurance cards (if applicable and copies of the first two pages of your most recent federal income tax return to verify income.
4. Provider Section: Your prescribing physician must complete their portion of the application, including a valid prescription.
5. Submission: Submit the completed application and supporting documents via fax to 1-855-817-2711 or mail to: 
   1. Novartis Patient Assistance Foundation, Inc.
      PO Box 2529
      Columbus, OH 43216

Applicants will receive a decision letter within approximately four weeks.

For any questions regarding the application process, call NPAF at 1-800-277-2254.

Covered Medications

NPAF supports a wide range of Novartis drugs across multiple therapeutic areas. To determine whether your prescribed treatment is covered, check the full list of supported medications. This list is updated regularly to reflect newly available treatments.

Renewal Process

NPAF assistance is typically granted for a specific period. Patients needing continued support must reapply before their current assistance expires.

The renewal process involves submitting updated information to confirm ongoing eligibility. Timely reapplication ensures there is no interruption in access to essential medications.

Supplementary Support Resources

Beyond NPAF, Novartis offers other patient support programs:

• Novartis Patient Support: A comprehensive program designed to help patients start, stay, and save on their Novartis treatments.
• External Support: Information on financial assistance from government programs, independent organizations, or charitable foundations for patients unable to afford co-pays or other medical costs.

These resources aim to provide holistic support, ensuring patients can access the treatments they need without undue financial burden.

Learn More About Novartis' Patient Assistance Foundation

The Novartis Patient Assistance Foundation exemplifies Novartis's dedication to patient care by removing financial barriers to essential medications. Through NPAF, eligible patients facing economic hardships can access their prescribed Novartis treatments at no cost, prioritizing health and well-being over financial constraints.

For more information or to begin the application process, visit www.npaF.com or call 1-800-277-2254.