Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be a legal resident of the United States to be eligible for this program?
Yes, this program is only available to legal residents of the United States.
How do I know if I am eligible for the Bausch + Lomb Patient Assistance Program?
We have a simple tool to help you determine if you qualify for the Bausch + Lomb Patient Assistance Program. Simply visit our eligibility page https://patientassistance.bausch.com/eligibility and answer a few questions.
If I have Medicaid or Medicare insurance or prescription coverage am I eligible?
Medicare and Medicaid offer drug coverage for their enrolled patients, as well as insurance for general health care.
Patients enrolled in Medicare or Medicaid are not eligible for the Bausch + Lomb Patient Assistance Program. However, in some cases, patients who do not have specific product coverage may be eligible to receive assistance.
Some patients who cannot afford their prescription products and meet certain financial criteria also may be eligible.
For information on Medicare and Medicaid, visit the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services website http://www.cms.hhs.gov.
If I live in a state offering Medicaid, would I be eligible?
If you are eligible for Medicaid you must apply for that assistance first. If denied Medicaid coverage you might be eligible for PAP. If Medicaid denies your coverage to be considered for PAP you must submit the official denial letter with your PAP application.
If Medicaid does not cover your prescription and the product is included as part of the Bausch + Lomb Patient Assistance Program, you may be eligible.
We advise you to check our list of included products here so that patients can quickly see if their prescribed product is included.
How can I apply for the program?
You can complete the application online or print it and complete it by hand. Bring the application to your prescriber to complete.
Tips to avoid delays:
- Fill out as much of the application online for legibility and to speed up processing
- Be sure all information is completed
- Be sure your prescriber fills out their portion fully and signs the form
See our 'Applying to the Bausch + Lomb Patient Assistance Program' page https://patientassistance.bausch.com/apply which walks you through the steps of applying, along with timing, and what to expect.
Can I apply for more than one product on the same application?
Yes, you can submit one application for all applicable products you are prescribed. Your doctor will make the necessary product selections on the application for each product they prescribe to you.
Does it cost anything to apply to the program?
No, it’s free to apply. Click here to get started.
Do I need to provide documents that show my annual household income?
No. In most cases, the program can determine your financial eligibility without providing documentation.
However, in some cases, you may be asked to include a copy of your most recent 1040 or 1040EZ federal tax return or other requested document.
Since I last filed a tax return, I lost my job or have had financial troubles.
Should I mention this when I apply?
If you have any information that helps us to understand your current financial situation better, please provide those details with your application.
Will I receive my original application and documents back?
Our policies require us to retain all copies in case we are audited. You can always print copies of all documents before you submit them for review.
Why does my healthcare provider need to complete the application?
Your prescriber must complete pages 4 through 6 of the application and sign both the Prescription on page 5 the Prescriber Certification on page 6.
How long before I find out if I am eligible?
We will review and confirm the information in your application.
It is important to make sure you and your doctor complete all the required information on your application before sending it to the program. If the application has any missing information, it will take longer to review and determine if you are eligible.
You will receive a communication informing you of your eligibility upon completion of the review.
How do I check the status of my application?
We will keep you informed during the process. Be sure to provide your cell phone number and email – these are the fastest ways for us to provide you with the status of your application.
Note: There is a higher volume of applications received during the re-enrollment period which is November – March. During these months all applications will experience longer processing times. Please make sure that you and the prescriber have completed all the required information and signed the application. If there is any missing information it will delay any decision on eligibility until that information is received.
Please call us at 855-770-0424, 8 AM to 5 PM ET. to obtain an update on the status of your application.
If I need another prescription product from the Bausch + Lomb Patient Assistance Program, do I need to reapply?
It will depend on several factors. Call 855-770-0424, 8 AM to 5 PM ET to speak with a Program Advocate to discuss whether you will need to reapply.
How do I know if my product is included in the Bausch + Lomb Patient Assistance Program?
We have listed all included products on our 'Products available through the Bausch + Lomb Patient Assistance Program' page https://patientassistance.bausch.com/products so that patients can quickly see if their prescribed product is included.
Do I have to pay a copay for my prescription product?
No. No co-pays are required. There is no out of pocket cost to you for products provided by the Bausch + Lomb Patient Assistance Program.
How will I receive my prescribed product?
Once approved, the Bausch + Lomb Patient Assistance Program will arrange for the product to be shipped, typically to the address indicated on the Bausch + Lomb Patient Assistance Program application.
Orders for Controlled Substances and products administered by a healthcare professional will be shipped to comply with all state rules and regulations pertaining to how these items can be transported. Orders for RETISERT®, or VISUDYNE® will ship to the prescriber’s office.
When I am approved, how long can I receive the free Bausch + Lomb product?
You may be eligible to receive your prescribed Bausch + Lomb product at no charge for up to one year. Patients with Medicare Part B or Medicare Part D who are found eligible will be approved through December 31. You can reapply each year for as long as you remain eligible.
If your insurance status changes at any time, you may instead be able to receive your prescribed product via insurance. We will check for these changes and let you know if your status has changed.
My insurance partially covers the cost of my prescriptions.
Will this program cover the rest?
If enrolled in Medicare Part B, Medicare Part D, or another insurance program, you may still be eligible for the program.
Please use our Eligibility tool to find out if you may be eligible to apply to the Bausch + Lomb Patient Assistance Program https://patientassistance.bausch.com/eligibility.
What is the Affordable Care Act and how could it impact my eligibility?
In 2010, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) enacted some opportunities for comprehensive health reform. The ACA has provided new coverage options for many Americans who otherwise were without access to health insurance.
Starting in 2014, the ACA expanded Medicaid eligibility for those between 19 and 65 years old who had an annual income under 138% of the Federal Poverty Level.
The ACA requires that everyone be enrolled in health insurance unless they qualify for an exemption. Low-income enrollees may be eligible to receive subsidies to help pay for premiums and other cost-sharing obligations that are part of the ACA.
Those who do not meet any of the exemption criteria and do not enroll in a health care plan may have to pay a penalty. Whether or not you choose to purchase insurance through the Health Insurance Marketplace (Exchange) is a personal decision.
Most states have designated organizations and individuals to serve as Navigators to help guide patients through this process. There are available resources which may assist you in determining potential insurance plan(s) that may meet your needs. These are available at www.healthcare.gov.
An annual benefit verification check may find that you are eligible for Medicaid or state assistance program coverage for prescription products. Therefore, you may not be eligible for the Bausch + Lomb Patient Assistance Program.
We encourage eligible patients to carefully evaluate all their options and discuss these with your family, patient advocate, healthcare provider, or others who can help you make a choice that is right for you.
If I am not eligible for the Bausch + Lomb Patient Assistance Program, are there any other programs that might be able to assist me?
Yes. Often, a product’s website will offer downloadable savings cards.
There are also Government Resources that may be able to assist:
- Medicaid - https://www.medicaid.gov/
- ADAP - Aids Product Assistance Program - http://adap.directory/directory
- LIS - Low-Income Subsidy Program - www.socialsecurity.gov/extrahelp
- State Pharmacy Assistance Program (SPAP) - https://www.medicareinteractive.org/get-answers/cost-saving-programs-for-people-with-medicare/state-pharmaceutical-assistance-programs-spaps/spap-basics
- Special Needs Plan (SNP) - https://www.medicare.gov/sign-up-change-plans/types-of-medicare-health-plans/special-needs-plans-snp
- Children’s Health Insurance Plan (CHIP) - https://www.chipcoverspakids.com/ApplyandRenew/Pages/Apply.aspx
- Healthcare exchange - https://www.healthcare.gov/
I still have questions – is there anyone I can call?
Yes, if you have questions you can contact us at 855-770-0424, 8 AM to 5 PM EST.