The PAP Applications on the NeedyMeds site are now interactive. You can fill them out on your computer and then print them. This is exciting news as it will save time and prevent problems with legibility. We have almost 200 applications and are continuously adding new ones. We believe we have the most up-to-date applications available.

Below are some pointers about the applications and using them:

You need Adobe Reader
You need a free program called Adobe Reader to open the applications. This program is on most computers but NeedyMeds recommends getting the latest version, Version 8. Click HERE to get this program or upgrade your version.

The Highlight Button
If you click the "Highlight Button" in the top right of the application, the fields that need to be filled out will be highlighted. As with most forms, use the "tab" to go easily from field to field.

It's important to answer every question, fill in every blank
It is vital to answer every question on the application. Most programs will not process an incomplete application. Some companies will call the patient or doctor to get missing information on an incomplete application, some will return the application, and others will reject the application altogether. If you don't know or understand something, call the company and explain the situation. They may tell you the best way to complete the application. If for example, if you have no source of income or you don't receive a specific type of income, it is important to put a "0,""none" or "N/A" (for not applicable) in the blank. That way it is clear that the question was read and answered.

Saving applications - be careful!
You can save blank applications. This allows you to save it where you can easily find it on your computer and to rename it. However, NeedyMeds cautions about using previously downloaded applications. Programs and their applications are constantly changing in small and large ways, You don't want to be denied because your application is out-of-date. On the "PAP Applications" page you will see that each application has an update date. Some applications are flagged as "new." That means the application has changed in some significant way. The "new" flag stays up for one month so if you saved an application for several months, you may not realize that it is out-dated by looking at this list.

PAP application changes
Every company is different. Some applications change once a year. Others seem to change every four to six months. An application may look exactly the same but have a new date on the bottom. NeedyMeds puts the new application on the website because some companies will only accept the newest application even if it's the same as the older one.

Special fields and signatures
There are three instances when you cannot type in answers on an application. The first is if the application requires the applicant to circle an option. There is no way to draw a circle on the PDF application; those must be circled by hand. The second is when a signature is required. Almost every program requires a signature from the patient and/or doctor. This leads to the third type of blank space that you cannot fill in on a computer, and that is the date next to the signature(s). We decided that it is better to have the application signed and dated at the same time.

Programs with no applications available
Some programs take all the information over the phone. Other programs may contact the doctor or applicant directly to get more information and/or request certain documentation. Yet other programs perform a prescreening, then send a completed application to either the doctor or applicant to be signed.

Another reason is that one or two companies number each application and we have no way to keep those numbers accurate. Finally, some companies are not comfortable with blank applications being available on any website. We honor requests and do not post their applications. Our goal is to make finding and applying to patient assistance programs as smooth and easy as possible. The last thing we want is for you to be denied because the application was not up-to-date or shouldn't have been available.

Tips for helping the doctor
Here are some things you can do to assist the process:

• Fill out as much as possible of the doctor's section including such things as address and phone number.
• Give the doctor an addressed, stamped envelope to send the application to the program.
• Highlight the signature line and the requirements for the doctor.