Calan SR

Indicated For

hypertension, angina, rate control

About This Medication

# Calan SR Patient Guide: How to Get Verapamil at Low or No Cost Calan SR (verapamil extended-release) is a prescription medication used to treat **high blood pressure (hypertension)**, angina (chest pain), and certain heart rhythm disorders like arrhythmias. Unlike manufacturer-sponsored programs for this drug, patients can access low or no-cost options through federal programs like Medicare Extra Help, copay foundations such as PAN Foundation and HealthWell Foundation, discount cards like GoodRx, and nonprofit patient assistance like RxOutreach.[1][3][4][6] ## About Calan SR (Verapamil ER) **Calan SR** is the brand name for extended-release verapamil tablets, a **calcium channel blocker** that relaxes blood vessels and slows the heart rate to reduce blood pressure and ease heart workload. It's typically taken once daily and helps prevent serious complications like strokes, heart attacks, or kidney damage from uncontrolled hypertension.[3][7] Generic verapamil ER is widely available, often cheaper, and covered by most Medicare Part D and commercial insurance plans.[1] Common uses include: - Managing chronic high blood pressure. - Treating angina for better exercise tolerance. - Controlling irregular heartbeats. Always consult your doctor before starting or switching medications, as immediate-release versions may be needed for acute symptoms.[3] ## Who Qualifies for Assistance? No dedicated manufacturer patient assistance program exists for Calan SR, as program details like income thresholds and application methods are unavailable.[program details] Instead, eligibility focuses on financial need, insurance status, and U.S. residency. Key programs include: - **Medicare Extra Help (Low-Income Subsidy - LIS)**: For Medicare Part D enrollees with low income/assets. Benefits: $0 premiums/deductibles, low copays ($4.50-$11.20 generic in 2026).[1][4] - **PAN Foundation**: Copay grants up to $2,400/year for heart failure/hypertension meds if insured with high copays.[6] - **HealthWell Foundation & Patient Advocate Foundation**: Copay relief for underinsured patients meeting income criteria.[4][5] - **RxOutreach**: Free meds for uninsured/low-income if verapamil is on their list (check database).[2] - **GoodRx/Medicare Prescription Payment Plan**: Discounts or payment spreading (no income limit).[1] ## Income Eligibility Breakdown Income limits vary by program and household size, often tied to the **Federal Poverty Level (FPL)**. Medicare Extra Help uses 2026 thresholds (approx. 135-150% FPL plus asset limits ~$17,550 individual/$35,000 couple, excluding home/car).[1][4] Copay foundations like PAN/HealthWell typically require income <500% FPL with high out-of-pocket costs.[4][6] | Household Size | Medicare Extra Help (Annual Income Limit) | PAN/HealthWell (Typical Max, varies) | Notes | |----------------|------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------|-------| | Individual | ~$22,000 (135% FPL) | < $65,000 (400-500% FPL) | Assets counted; state variations. | | Couple | ~$29,000 (135% FPL) | < $90,000 | Excludes primary home/car. | | Family of 3 | ~$37,000 (150% FPL) | < $110,000 | Add ~$7,500 per extra member. | | Family of 4 | ~$44,000 (150% FPL) | < $130,000 | Check exact year/FPL. | *Estimates based on 2026 FPL; verify at SSA.gov or foundation sites. RxOutreach/GooRx have no strict limits.[1][2][4][6]* ## Insurance Requirements - **Medicare Part D**: Extra Help requires enrollment; can't combine with GoodRx but choose lower price.[1] - **Commercial/Private Insurance**: Copay programs (PAN, HealthWell) for those with coverage but high copays/deductibles.[4][6] - **Medicaid**: If denied, pivot to Extra Help or foundations.[4] - **Uninsured**: RxOutreach or discount cards.[2] Medicare's 2026 updates: $2,000 annual out-of-pocket cap; optional Prescription Payment Plan spreads costs monthly.[1] ## Step-by-Step Application Process 1. **Assess Eligibility**: Check income/assets vs. tables. Use SSA.gov for Extra Help prescreen; PAN/HealthWell sites for copays.[1][4][6] 2. **Gather Documents**: Proof of income (tax returns, paystubs), insurance ID, doctor's info (name, phone), household size, SSN.[6] 3. **Apply to Primary Program**: - **Extra Help**: Online at SSA.gov, call 1-800-772-1213, or visit SSA office.[1][4] - **PAN**: Online portal (register 1-2 days ahead) or call 1-866-316-7263 (M-F 9am-5:30pm ET).[6] - **HealthWell**: Contact via site/phone.[4][5] - **RxOutreach**: Search medication database at RxAssist.org, apply online.[2] 4. **Doctor/Pharmacy Sign-Off**: Provider verifies diagnosis/med need.[6] 5. **Submit & Track**: E-application fastest; phone for help/translators.[6] For GoodRx: Download coupon at pharmacy—no application.[1] ## Timeline and Delivery - **Extra Help**: 4-6 weeks processing; retroactive if applied timely.[1] - **Copay Foundations**: 1-2 weeks post-approval; grants to pharmacy/provider.[6] - **RxOutreach**: Varies; meds shipped free if approved.[2] - **Delivery**: Foundations pay pharmacy directly; RxOutreach mails; GoodRx at any pharmacy.[1][2][6] Track status via portal/phone. Refills auto for many (see FAQ).[1] ## Alternatives if Denied - Switch programs (e.g., Extra Help denial → PAN).[4] - GoodRx coupons: Verapamil ER ~$4-10/30 tabs.[1][7] - Generic verapamil (cheaper than Calan SR).[1][3] - Medicare Payment Plan for spreading costs.[1] - Online telehealth for refills/low-cost consults (~$15).[7] - State programs or 340B clinics. ## Disclaimer This guide provides general info as of 2026; eligibility/programs change. Not medical/financial advice—consult doctor, SSA (1-800-772-1213), or foundations. Verify details; we synthesize public sources but can't guarantee approval.[1][2][4][6]

Program information last verified: March 30, 2026