The NKF AZ medications program is considered short-term assistance, intended to help in emergency and crisis situations. We may allow initial approval of assistance when there is an immediate need to allow the patient time and opportunity to apply for and establish other resources. It is expected that patients will develop a more permanent solution to their medication needs. Medication coverage is only offered for those medications listed on our customized NKF AZ formulary.
The program is mandatory generic when a generic exists. For “Dispense as written” prescriptions that specify a brand name drug when a generic is available, NKF AZ will cover the cost of the generic. The patient will be responsible for the difference in cost between the brand name and the generic.
There is no copay per prescription for generic medications. Patients are charged a $5.00 copay per prescription for brand name medications, payable to the pharmacy at the time the prescription is filled. Prescriptions are filled for one month at a time.
Fry’s pharmacy cards are available upon request for patients who cannot afford a prescribed medication not covered under NKF AZ formulary. This assistance is limited to $150 per fiscal year, usually distributed in increments of $50 per month.
Eligibility (In addition to the General Eligibility Requirements):
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This program provides temporary assistance for renal patients who are financially unable to pay for their medications and do not qualify for other government, private, or manufacturer assistance programs. Patients who do not apply for assistance programs they may be eligible for will not have their assistance from NKF AZ renewed.
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If a patient lacks health insurance, they must explore their coverage options through their employer, COBRA, or the Health Insurance Marketplace and apply for a commercial plan, Medicare and/or Medicaid. Patients who do not apply for coverage for which they may be eligible will not have their assistance from NKF AZ renewed.
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Medicare-eligible patients must be enrolled in a Medicare Part D plan. Assistance is available to Medicare patients as a complement to their Part D plan, and medication assistance is limited to the NKF AZ formulary.
- Applications may take up to 2-3 business days to process.
Forms to be submitted:
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Financial Statement (if not already completed within the last six months for other assistance requests, or if there are changes to income)
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To start a new Medications Assistance application use https://www.GrantRequest.com/SID_6273?SA=SNA&FID=35035
- To access a saved or previously submitted application use https://www.GrantRequest.com/SID_6273?SA=AM
Helpful docs:
Renewal:
- Each assistance application can be approved for a maximum of six months at a time. If the patient requies continuation beyond the 6 months, the full Medications Assistance application (link above) including financial statement and details regarding other assistance types pursued must be submitted.
- If less than six months of assistance is requested and the patient's circumstances require an extension, you may request an extension by emailing patientservices@azkidney.org The extension period cannot exceed the total six-month approval per application.
- For example: If you requested 3 months of assistance for the patient but the patient's circumstances require an extension beyond that 3 months, you could request up to 3 additional months of assistance. That would take the patient to the maximum 6-month approval for that application. If the patient then requires continuation beyond the 6 months, the full application including financial statement and details regarding other assistance types pursued must be submitted.