What organization type commonly extends patient assistance programs?

Pharmaceutical companies commonly extend patient assistance programs as part of their efforts to improve access to medications for patients who may struggle to afford them. These programs are designed to provide financial assistance, medications at reduced costs, or free medications to eligible patients, often based on income level or insurance status. By offering such programs, pharmaceutical companies can help ensure that patients in need receive the required therapies, ultimately supporting better health outcomes and enhancing patient adherence to prescribed treatments.

Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs) typically focus on providing a range of health services, while local pharmacies often work within the confines of insurance and medication dispensing rather than directly offering assistance programs. Health care providers, while they may refer patients to such programs, typically do not have the resources or capabilities to run their own patient assistance initiatives like pharmaceutical companies do.