Eli Lilly & Co. to expand prescription drug assistance programs

INDIANAPOLIS Drug maker Eli Lilly & Co. announced Wednesday an expansion of its prescription drug assistance programs.

Lilly USA adjusted the income eligibility for one of its patient assistance programs to allow enrollment of eligible patients who make incomes of 300% or less of the U.S. Federal Poverty Level, compared to 200% before the change.

“By making these changes, we are addressing a real concern for patients we have heard from in recent months,” Lilly CEO John Lechleiter said in a statement. “Many have lost their jobs and insurance coverage and need our help to stay on their medications.”

Lilly’s programs include Lilly Cares, which allows eligible patients to obtain free medicines; LillyMedicareAnswers, which provides some Medicare recipients access to Lilly drugs outside their Medicare Part D plans; and Lilly Specialty Programs, which provides specialty products.