'CARES by GSK' introduces oncology co-pay assistance program

GlaxoSmithKlineFeb 11 2010

GlaxoSmithKline today announced the launch of CARES by GSK, a comprehensive program that provides a single point of contact to GSK services and programs designed to improve access to GSK oncology and specialty medications. In addition to the comprehensive offerings that include specialty reimbursement services and free medicine, CARES by GSK now offers its first oncology co-pay assistance program to further help eligible patients with limited insurance coverage to have better access to GSK oral oncology and specialty medicines.

“It is becoming more and more difficult for patients and their providers to navigate today’s complex healthcare system. Through CARES by GSK, we wanted to be a part of a solution that for the first time streamlines access to the many services we offer, including a new co-pay assistance program, so that patients can easily access the medicines that may help them,” said David Moules, vice president, GlaxoSmithKline. “The program demonstrates our belief that improving access to needed medicines is important.”

A range of services within the CARES by GSK program are now accessible via a single point of contact, with counselors who will help patients who are prescribed GSK oncology and specialty medicines. CARES by GSK counselors can verify benefits for patients with all types of insurance, analyze insurance coverage, provide a co-pay forecast and research pharmacies that offer the lowest available co-pays for each patient based on his or her insurance coverage. Counselors can also administer co-pay assistance for patients on oral medications, explain the prior authorization process for certain oral oncology and specialty medications, provide guidance for how to appeal denied and underpaid claims, research foundations that provide patient assistance and support, and screen for eligibility for GSK patient assistance programs that offer medicines at low or no cost, such as Commitment to Access.

“Too often, patients encounter challenges to accessing their oncology medicines at all stages of the process. We’ve collected feedback from patients through our existing programs and aimed to design a new program to answer our patients’ needs,” said Sandy Moulton, director of GlaxoSmithKline patient assistance and reimbursement. “We believe that CARES by GSK will make access to our cancer and specialty medicines as helpful and simple a process as possible.”

GSK’s new co-pay assistance program is for people who have prescription coverage, but who need extra help paying for their oral oncology and specialty medicines. Co-pays are based on patients’ need and reimbursement, and vary according to a sliding scale derived from the federal poverty level.

GSK also offers free GSK oncology and specialty prescription medications to eligible uninsured patients. Patients with Medicare, commercial insurance, or other insurance who meet other requirements can also qualify under certain circumstances.

For more information about CARES by GSK or to enroll, patients and their health care providers can visit www.CARESbyGSK.com or call 1-888-ONE-GSKCARES.

GSK Patient Assistance Programs

GSK offers a number of additional programs to help patients get access to the non-oncology medicines they need. Information about all of the programs can be found at www.gskforyou.com. The programs are:

• Bridges to Access offers non-oncology medicines to eligible low-income patients who do not have prescription drug benefits except Medicare Part D and generic-only coverage, and who meet income eligibility requirements.
• GSK Access offers non-oncology medicines for eligible Medicare Part D enrollees who have spent at least $600 on prescription medicines this year and who meet income eligibility requirements.
• Together Rx Access offers a free savings card program for those who are not eligible for Medicare, do not have prescription coverage and who meet income eligibility requirements. This program was created in 2005 by several pharmaceutical companies, including GSK, and provides savings on more than 275 products. Together Rx Access information and applications are available via www.TogetherRxAccess.com or 1-800-444-4106.

GSK Oncology is dedicated to producing innovations in cancer that will make profound differences in the lives of patients. Through GSK's revolutionary 'bench to bedside' approach, we are transforming the way treatments are discovered and developed, resulting in one of the most robust pipelines in the oncology sector. Our worldwide research in oncology includes collaborations with more than 160 cancer centers. GSK is closing in on cancer from all sides with a new generation of patient focused cancer treatments in prevention, supportive care, chemotherapy, and targeted therapies.