Bausch Lomb Free Contact Lens Trials And Patient Assistance Programs

Introduction

Bausch + Lomb, a company with nearly two centuries of history in eye care, offers several programs to help consumers access their products. These include free contact lens trials for those interested in trying specific lenses, and comprehensive assistance programs for patients who need prescription eye medications but face financial barriers. This article provides detailed information about these programs, including eligibility requirements, application processes, and what consumers can expect when participating.

Free Contact Lens Trial Program

Bausch + Lomb provides a free contact lens trial program that allows potential users to experience their products before committing to a purchase. The program offers trial certificates for three different lens types: Biotrue® ONEday, Bausch + Lomb INFUSE®, and Bausch + Lomb ULTRA® contact lenses.

To access this program, consumers must fill out and submit an online form. Upon completion, Bausch + Lomb will send an email containing a certificate that can be printed or saved to a mobile device for presentation at an eye doctor appointment. The certificate is valid for either a 5-day trial of Biotrue® ONEday lenses, a 5- or 10-day trial of Bausch + Lomb INFUSE® lenses, or one pair of Bausch + Lomb ULTRA® contact lenses.

It is important to note that an eye exam may be necessary before receiving the free trial, and the certificate does not cover the cost of an eye examination or any other professional fees. The program is designed to give consumers an opportunity to try the lenses with their eye care provider's guidance before making a purchase decision.

Patient Assistance Program

The Bausch + Lomb Patient Assistance Program provides prescription eye care medications at no cost to eligible patients who face financial obstacles. This program includes a range of ophthalmic products that might otherwise be inaccessible due to cost concerns.

The products available through the Patient Assistance Program include:

• ALREX® (loteprednol etabonate ophthalmic suspension) 0.2%
• BEPREVE® (bepotastine besilate ophthalmic solution) 1.5%
• BESIVANCE® (besifloxacin ophthalmic suspension) 0.6%
• MIEBO™ (perfluorohexyloctane ophthalmic solution)
• PROLENSA® (bromfenac ophthalmic solution) 0.07%
• RETISERT® (fluocinolone acetonide intravitreal implant) 0.59 mg for Intravitreal Use
• VISUDYNE® (verteporfin for injection), for Intravenous Use
• VYZULTA™ (latanoprostene bunod ophthalmic solution) 0.024%
• XIIDRA® (lifitegrast ophthalmic solution) 5%
• XIPERE™ (triamcinolone acetonide injectable suspension) 40mg/ml
• ZIRGAN® (ganiciclovir ophthalmic gel) 0.15%
• ZYLET® (loteprednol etabonate 0.5% and tobramycin 0.3% ophthalmic suspension)

The application process requires both the patient and their prescriber to complete the Bausch + Lomb Patient Assistance Program application. There is no cost to apply. Once submitted, Bausch + Lomb will review and confirm the information provided and respond to the application.

If approved, patients are eligible to receive their Bausch + Lomb prescription product(s) at no cost for up to one year. Patients may be able to reapply to the program annually if they continue to meet eligibility requirements and have a valid prescription.

Copay Assistance Program

Bausch + Lomb also offers a copay assistance program for commercially insured patients. This program helps reduce out-of-pocket costs for eligible patients who have insurance coverage for Bausch + Lomb products.

For eligible commercially insured patients: - XIIDRA® and MIEBO® patients may pay as little as $0 copay - For other brands within the Bausch + Lomb portfolio, eligible commercially insured patients may pay as little as $25 copay

This copay assistance is available exclusively at Walgreens and other participating independent pharmacies. At non-participating pharmacies, eligible commercial patients may pay as little as $35 copay.

The copay program has specific terms and conditions that participants must agree to comply with when using the assistance. By using the Bausch + Lomb Copay Program, patients confirm their understanding and agreement to these terms.

Eligibility Requirements

Eligibility for Bausch + Lomb's assistance programs is determined by several factors:

General Requirements

• Patients must be treated as an outpatient
• Patients must have a valid prescription from a licensed U.S. healthcare professional for a product included in the program
• Patients must not reside in a hospital, nursing home, correctional facility, or court-appointed program or facility
• For patients in Puerto Rico, hardship appeals will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis

Insurance Requirements

Patients must meet one of the following insurance criteria: - Be uninsured - Be denied coverage for the Bausch + Lomb product by their commercial insurance provider and have exhausted all appeal options - Not have coverage for the Bausch + Lomb product requested through government health insurance (Medicare Part B, Medicare Part D, Medicaid, Medigap, VA, DoD, TRICARE, or other federal or state pharmacy assistance programs)

Note that: - If patients have coverage through Medicare Part B or Medicare Part D, they may appeal for evaluation of eligibility, which will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis - Discount cards are not considered prescription drug coverage for program eligibility purposes

Financial Requirements

• Annual household income must not exceed 300% of the Federal Poverty Level based on household size
• Federal Poverty Level Guidelines are available through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Program Terms and Conditions

• No product provided through the Bausch + Lomb Patient Assistance Program may be sold, traded, or returned for credit
• Bausch + Lomb has the right to verify eligibility, including the right to audit any information provided on the application form
• The prescriber must not be on the List of Excluded Individuals and Entities maintained by the Office of Inspector General, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
• Bausch + Lomb, in its sole discretion, can determine participation in the program
• Approved patients are eligible to receive assistance for up to 12 months from the date of approval
• The program will reconfirm continued income and insurance eligibility annually
• If patients experience a change in insurance status or income, they may be deemed no longer eligible
• Patients who were previously denied enrollment may reapply if they experience a change in circumstance impacting their eligibility

Conclusion

Bausch + Lomb offers several programs to help consumers access their eye care products, including free contact lens trials and comprehensive patient assistance programs. The free trial program allows consumers to try different lens types before purchasing, while the patient assistance program provides prescription medications at no cost to eligible patients who face financial barriers. Additionally, the copay assistance program helps reduce out-of-pocket costs for commercially insured patients.

Eligibility for these programs is based on factors including insurance status, income level, and residency. Patients interested in these programs should carefully review the eligibility requirements and application processes to determine if they qualify. While these programs can significantly reduce the financial burden of eye care products, it's important to note that they do not cover the cost of eye examinations or other professional fees.

For those who qualify, these programs represent valuable resources for accessing necessary eye care products without financial strain. By offering multiple assistance options, Bausch + Lomb demonstrates its commitment to helping people "see better to live better," consistent with its nearly two-century history in eye care.

Sources

1. Bausch + Lomb Free Trial Program
2. Bausch + Lomb Patient Assistance Program Products
3. Bausch + Lomb Patient Assistance Program Eligibility Requirements
4. Bausch + Lomb Patient Assistance Program Overview
5. Bausch + Lomb Access Program
6. Bausch + Lomb Company Website