Upsher-Smith expands Access Pathways Program for commercially insured migraine patients

Upsher-Smith has good news for commercially insured migraine patients with high-deductible health plans. The company announced that it has expanded its Access Pathways Program for free acute and preventive migraine treatments.

Eligible patients who use the program's new online pharmacy option pay $0 per prescription and can receive free home delivery for each of Upsher-Smith's migraine medications including: Tosymra (sumatriptan nasal spray) 10 mg and Zembrace SymTouch (sumatriptan injection) 3 mg for the acute treatment of migraine in adults and Qudexy XR (topiramate) Extended-Release Capsules for the prevention of migraine headache in adults and adolescents.

"At Upsher-Smith, we recognize the importance of making migraine medications easier for providers to prescribe and more accessible to patients – particularly at the start of a new year when high-deductible commercial health plans reset," said Rusty Field, Upsher-Smith president and CEO. "Our Access Pathways Program is a best-in-class savings and support program that we've offered since 2017. Adding an online pharmacy option further enhances this program by optimizing the provider experience and offering eligible patients the opportunity to have their migraine medication delivered to their doorstep, for free."

Healthcare expenditures make up a large part of the average household budget and the number of people enrolled in high-deductible healthcare plans is growing. In fact, the availability of this type of plan for private industry workers participating in medical care plans increased from 24% in 2010 to 45% in 2018. While patients typically pay a lower premium, they often pay more out of pocket for their medication, particularly at the start of a new year, Upsher-Smith noted.

The Access Pathways Program is a best-in-class savings and support program dedicated to eliminating the hassles and barriers of prescribing migraine medications. With Access Pathways, eligible patients pay $0 with the Platinum Pass savings card at the pharmacy or pay $0 plus receive free home delivery through the program's online pharmacy even if they experience pending prior authorization. denied prior authorization, a medication that isn't covered, or a high co-pay.