Help Paying for Seizure Medication
For many people with epilepsy, the medication that controls their seizures can also be difficult to afford. High copays, deductibles, and gaps in insurance coverage can lead people to skip doses or stretch prescriptions.
There is real help available, and most people never hear about it.
What are Patient Assistance Programs?
Most pharmaceutical companies offer Patient Assistance Programs (PAPs) that provide their medications free or at a reduced cost to people who qualify.
These programs are run by the drug manufacturers, and each company has its own rules. If you take medications made by different companies, you will need to apply to each company’s program separately.
Who May QUalify?
Requirements vary, but programs commonly consider:
- Insurance: Some programs are for people without prescription coverage; others may help people whose insurance does not make the medication affordable. Some include Medicare patients.
- Income: Each company has its own income limits, often based on household size and federal poverty guidelines.
- Residency: Most programs are for people living in the United States.
If you’re unsure whether you qualify, it never hurts to apply, and there’s no cost to try.
What will I need to apply?
Most applications require:
- Information about your household income, size, and insurance
- A section completed by your prescribing doctor
- Proof of income, such as a tax return or pay stubs
- Submission to the manufacturer
If approved, the medication may be sent to you, your doctor’s office, or your pharmacy. Approval is generally for a limited period, so check the renewal date and reapply when needed.
Where to Find These PROGRAMS?
These free resources can help you find programs for specific medications:
Other Help
Medication assistance isn’t the only option. Depending on your situation, you may also want to look into:
- Social Security disability benefits: Some people with frequent, disabling seizures may qualify for SSI or SSDI.
- Hospital financial assistance: California nonprofit hospitals must offer financial assistance policies that may reduce certain medical bills.
- Medi-Cal or Covered California: A change in income or circumstances may make you eligible for different health coverage.
We Can Help
If you’re having trouble affording your seizure medication or other epilepsy-related care, the Epilepsy Foundation of Northern California can help you look for available resources and understand what you may need to apply.
We are a nonprofit serving people with epilepsy and their families across 44 Northern and Central California counties. There is no charge for this assistance.
Medication Assistance Directory
The list below includes many commonly prescribed epilepsy medications and the patient assistance programs offered by their pharmaceutical manufacturers.
Programs can change or end at any time, and eligibility and application requirements may change without notice. The Epilepsy Foundation of Northern California is not affiliated with these programs and has no control over their eligibility requirements, decisions, or application processes.
Please verify current program information directly with the manufacturer before applying.
Manufacturer
Program Name
Medications Commonly Listed
Diastat AccuDial, Mysoline
Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) therapy