Questions about
access2wellness
What
is access2wellness?
Access2wellness is designed to assist people with limited or no
health insurance get the help they need to lead healthier lives.
Through access2wellness, people can learn about a variety of
assistance programs that, combined, offer more than 1,000
prescription medicines and medical products for free or at a discount
to qualified individuals. In just a few, easy steps, we can help you
and your patients find the assistance program that's best for them.
Why
was access2wellness created?
Access2wellness is a service from Johnson & Johnson Health Care
Systems Inc., and reflects the company's commitment to improving
access to better health care. As the number of assistance programs
has increased, many patients and health care professionals have grown
confused by the available choices. Access2wellness was developed to
help people find information on assistance programs quickly and
easily.
How
do patients qualify for these programs?
Each assistance program has its own eligibility criteria. In order to
determine someone's eligibility for any of these assistance programs,
you can use the
Eligibility Toolor call the access2wellness Call Center at
866-317-2775.
| General requirements for patients may include: |
- No private or public prescription medication
insurance
- Specific financial criteria
- Residence in the United States or a United States
Territory
|
The Operating Companies of Johnson & Johnson also
provide discounts on many non-prescription, or
over-the-counter, medicines and medical products. Learn more.
Can
the resources available through access2wellness help seniors find
information about prescription medication coverage?
Yes. Seniors who use access2wellness can access information about the
Medicare
Prescription Drug Coverage Program (Medicare Part D) or call
800-633-4227. They may also find other programs that provide
assistance.
When
visiting access2wellness.com or using the access2wellness Call
Center, what information will patients need in order to determine
eligibility for the various assistance programs available?
The applicant will need to provide information such as age, zip code,
estimated annual household income and prescription medications they
are currently taking or have been prescribed. They also need to state
whether they currently have any type of health insurance and/or
prescription drug coverage. All responses remain confidential.
What
happens if the Eligibility Tool indicates a patient is qualified?
If the patient qualifies, they may have the option of completing an
online application, downloading a printable application, or
contacting the Call Center to request an application by mail or to be
directed to another Web site for more information. The applicant may
need to have a health care professional sign the application form and
supply specific prescription information.
All applications should be mailed to the address of the specific
assistance program being applied for.
How
long will it take to process an application?
Depending on the program, from the time a completed application is
received, it may take a few minutes to a few days to determine
whether the applicant qualifies. If the application is missing any
information, it will take longer. The items commonly missing include:
- The applicant's signature and the health care
prescriber's signature.
- The dosage, amount and number of refills for each
separate prescription. All prescriptions must include the health
care prescriber's signature.
- The applicant's tax-filing status. If the patient
files taxes, the most recent Federal Income Tax Return must be
included. If the patient is claimed as a dependent on another
person's taxes, include that person's return (the one claiming the
patient as a dependent).
How
long will it take for patients to receive their prescription
medications?
It varies from one assistance program to the next. Programs available
through access2wellness are committed to getting prescriptions to
patients as quickly as possible.
How
will patients receive their prescription medications?
Patients will receive their prescription medications in one of three
ways:
1) From their health care professional's office;
2) Mailed to their home; or
3) By using a pharmacy card at a local pharmacy.
How
long will patients continue to receive free or discounted
prescription medications?
Each assistance program has different renewal requirements. Some
programs require patients to reapply. If so, information will be
mailed to patients when it's time to reapply.
What
is the Hospital Access Patient Assistance Program?
The Hospital Access Patient Assistance Program is an outpatient,
pharmacy-based program designed to assist patients who lack access to
prescription medication coverage through either public or private
insurance. Applicants must meet established financial eligibility
criteria and receive treatment at a disproportionate share hospital
(DSH) facility or a diagnosis-related group-exempt (DRG-exempt)
cancer center. The hospital enrolls patients using the program's
eligibility requirements. Patients receive their prescription
medications at no charge from the hospital's outpatient pharmacy.
What
is a disproportionate share hospital (DSH)?
A disproportionate share hospital (DSH) is a hospital with a
disproportionately large share of low-income patients. Under
Medicaid, states augment payment to these hospitals. Medicare
inpatient hospital payments are also adjusted for this added burden.
Source: Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
What
is a DRG-exempt cancer center?
A diagnosis-related group-exempt (DRG-exempt) cancer center receives
cost-based reimbursement and is exempt from the prospective payment
system (paraphrased). Source: Vanchieri, Cori (1991). Handful of
Cancer Centers Exempt from Prospective Payment System. Journal of
the National Cancer Institute, 83 (13), 907-908.
Which
hospitals are eligible for the Hospital Access Patient Assistance
Program?
The hospital must be a DSH or DRG-exempt cancer center, participate
in the 340 B pricing program and have an outpatient pharmacy program.
Following approval, the facility will be required to sign a contract,
follow standardized patient eligibility guidelines and agree to
regular on-site audits.
Which
prescription medications are covered by the Hospital Access Patient
Assistance Program?
The following prescription medications are covered by this program:
- INVEGA® (paliperidone) Extended-Release
Tablets
- RISPERDAL® (risperidone) Tablets/Oral
Solution
- LEVAQUIN® (levofloxacin) Tablets/Oral
Solution
- ULTRACET® (tramadol
hydrochloride/acetaminophen) Tablets
- TOPAMAX® (topiramate) Sprinkle Capsules
and Tablets
- DITROPAN XL® (oxybutynin chloride)
Extended-Release Tablets
How
do I learn more about the Hospital Access Patient Assistance Program?
Please call 800-652-6227. A Hospital Access Patient Assistance
Program specialist is available to discuss the program requirements
and application process, Monday-Friday from 9 am to 5 pm EST.
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