Mr. Wu, eligible for Medicare with limited finances but no Part D low-income subsidy (Extra Help), has several practical options for prescription drug cost relief. These include state programs, pharmaceutical aid, and nonprofits tailored for cases like his.

State Pharmaceutical Assistance Programs (SPAPs)

SPAPs provide targeted help for Medicare enrollees who miss federal subsidies, often covering premiums, deductibles, or copays based on state-specific income thresholds.
Mr. Wu should check his state's program—many prioritize low-income seniors and operate alongside Part D plans.
For example, programs like these adjust eligibility yearly around Federal Poverty Levels, potentially accommodating his situation despite Extra Help denial.

Pharmaceutical Patient Assistance Programs (PAPs)

Drug manufacturers offer PAPs giving free or discounted meds to uninsured/underinsured patients, regardless of Medicare status.
Eligibility often hinges on income up to 400-500% of poverty levels, household size, and medical expenses—Mr. Wu might qualify if his costs are high relative to resources.
Key contacts include the Patient Access Network (PAN) Foundation (800-675-8416) or Medicine Assistance Tool (medicineassistancetool.org) to match his prescriptions.

Nonprofit and Charity Options

Organizations like HealthWell Foundation (800-675-8416) and Good Days (877-968-7233) cover copays for those with insurance but high out-of-pocket burdens.
These groups consider total medical expenses, so Mr. Wu's limited finances could tip eligibility even post-Extra Help rejection.
Walmart's $4 generic list or Prescription Hope ($60/month per med) offer low- cost bridges too.

Option| Key Benefit| Income Cap Example| Contact 17
---|---|---|---
SPAPs| State-funded copays| Varies by state| State Medicare office
PAPs| Free/discounted drugs| 400-500% FPL| Medicineassistancetool.org
Charities| Copay grants| 500% FPL + expenses| HealthWell: 800-675-8416

Next Steps for Mr. Wu

Start with SHIP (State Health Insurance Assistance Program, free at 1-800-MEDICARE) for personalized guidance—they navigate applications across these options.
Reapply for Extra Help annually, as 2026 poverty guidelines (updated February) might shift his status.
Imagine Mr. Wu calling SHIP: a counselor quickly lists his state's SPAP and scans PAPs for his meds, slashing costs within weeks.

TL;DR Bottom: Mr. Wu's best bets are SPAPs, drugmaker PAPs, and charities like PAN—contact SHIP for free help matching his needs.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.