Apligraf

Indicated For

venous leg ulcers, diabetic foot ulcers

About This Medication

# Charitable Assistance Program Patient Guide: How to Get Apligraf at Low or No Cost Apligraf is a **living cellular skin substitute** used to treat stalled **venous leg ulcers (VLUs)** and **diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs)** by accelerating healing when standard care isn't enough.[6][1] The **Charitable Assistance Program** from Organogenesis helps patients with limited financial resources access Apligraf at low or no cost, especially if uninsured or underinsured with high out-of-pocket expenses.[1] ## About Apligraf Apligraf mimics human skin with living cells from the epidermis and dermis layers. It's applied by a healthcare provider directly to the wound after cleaning and debridement. Clinical evidence shows it speeds closure of VLUs and DFUs that haven't healed after 4 weeks of standard therapy, reducing healing time and amputation risk for DFUs.[6][5] It's FDA-approved for these uses and covered by many insurances, but costs can be high without help—often thousands per application.[3][5] Treatment typically involves 1-5 applications over weeks, depending on wound response. Your doctor monitors progress with weekly visits. Apligraf is not a daily medication but a specialized wound therapy delivered in a clinic or outpatient setting.[6] ## Who Qualifies for the Charitable Assistance Program? This program targets patients facing financial barriers to Apligraf. It's ideal for: - **Uninsured patients** with limited financial resources and no public/private coverage.[1] - **Underinsured patients** unable to pay out-of-pocket costs, especially $50+ after insurance.[1] Key requirements include: - U.S. residency. - FDA-indicated diagnosis: stalled VLU or DFU.[1] - Financial need demonstrated case-by-case (no fixed income thresholds listed; assessed individually).[1] Note: Organogenesis distinguishes this from their **Patient Assistance Program (PAP)**, which strictly requires no insurance and proof like 1040 tax form or SSI statement. Charitable Assistance is more flexible for underinsured cases via alternative funding.[1] ## Income Eligibility Breakdown No specific **Federal Poverty Level (FPL)** percentages or household income thresholds are published for this program. Eligibility is **case-by-case** based on financial hardship, out-of-pocket burden, and resources.[1] Contact the program for personalized review. | Household Size | Income Threshold | FPL % | Notes | |----------------|------------------|-------|--------| | Individual | Case-by-case | N/A | Limited resources key; no fixed limit.[1] | | Couple | Case-by-case | N/A | Assessed holistically.[1] | | Family of 3 | Case-by-case | N/A | Proof may help but not detailed.[1] | | Family of 4 | Case-by-case | N/A | Focus on inability to afford.[1] | For comparison, the stricter PAP requires income proof showing need with zero insurance.[1] Always verify with program staff. ## Insurance Requirements - **No insurance?** Eligible if limited resources.[1] - **Underinsured?** Yes, if out-of-pocket ≥$50 for Apligraf treatment of indicated ulcers.[1] - **Medicare/Medicaid/Commercial?** Program connects to Alternative Funding Specialists (AFS) who find charitable orgs to cover copays/costs. Not direct co-pay cards; partners vary by case.[1][3] Organogenesis verifies benefits first (call 1-888-432-5232 opt. 3).[5] Coverage depends on plan; Medicare often covers with prior auth for DFUs/VLUs.[3][5] ## Step-by-Step Application Process 1. **Discuss with your doctor**: Confirm Apligraf suitability for your VLU/DFU. They initiate reimbursement support.[5] 2. **Call Reimbursement Support Center**: Dial **(888) 432-5232** (opt. 3, then 2 for assistance). Request Charitable Assistance.[1] 3. **Speak to AFS**: Specialist reviews your case, insurance, finances. They identify matching charities (each with own criteria/caps).[1] 4. **Provide info**: Share income proof if requested (e.g., tax forms), diagnosis, out-of-pocket details. Doctor may assist.[1] 5. **Approval & referral**: AFS refers to charity; get phone/fax status updates.[1] 6. **Receive aid**: Charity covers costs; Apligraf ships to provider.[2] Application is **phone-based**; no online form listed.[1] Involve your healthcare professional for best results.[1] ## Timeline and Delivery - **Processing**: Varies; case-by-case. Benefit verification quick via hotline; charity matching days to weeks.[1][5] - **Delivery**: Apligraf ships to your provider's facility (hospital/clinic). Not direct-to-patient. Provider applies it.[2][3] Expect updates via phone/fax. Full course may need multiple shipments.[1] No fixed reauthorization noted; monitor with doctor.[1] ## Alternatives if Denied or No Qualifiers - **Organogenesis Patient Assistance Program (PAP)**: For zero insurance, U.S. residents with income proof. Doctor completes/faxes form to 1-866-212-2888. Free product.[1] - **Other charities**: AFS can suggest more (e.g., for copays).[1] - **State programs**: Check Medicaid expansion or wound care grants. - **Manufacturer reimbursement team**: Hotline helps appeals/prior auth.[5] - **No biosimilars** available for Apligraf.[provided] If denied, ask for reasons and reapply with more docs. ## Important Disclaimer This guide summarizes publicly available info as of latest sources.[1][5] Programs change; **call (888) 432-5232** for current details/eligibility. Not medical/financial advice. Consult doctor for treatment; financial advisor for options. Organogenesis decides eligibility; aid not guaranteed. Covers Apligraf only for indicated uses. Word count: ~950.

Program information last verified: March 30, 2026