Depo-Provera

Indicated For

Contraception, menorrhagia, endometriosis

About This Medication

# Pfizer Patient Assistance Program Patient Guide: How to Get Depo-Provera (medroxyprogesterone acetate) at Low or No Cost Depo-Provera (medroxyprogesterone acetate) is an injectable contraceptive medication manufactured by Pfizer, Inc., and the **Pfizer Patient Assistance Program (PAP)** provides it free to eligible uninsured or underinsured patients who meet specific criteria, primarily those without commercial insurance and with limited financial resources.[1][2][5] ## About Depo-Provera **Depo-Provera** is a progestin-only injection given every 3 months to prevent pregnancy. It works by stopping ovulation, thickening cervical mucus, and thinning the uterine lining. It's highly effective (over 99% with perfect use) and convenient for those who prefer not to take daily pills. Common uses include birth control for women who can't use estrogen-based methods due to conditions like high blood pressure, smoking over age 35, or breastfeeding. Side effects may include irregular bleeding, weight gain, bone density changes (reversible after stopping), and mood changes—discuss risks with your doctor. Always confirm it's right for you via a prescription from a licensed U.S. healthcare provider.[2][5] ## Who Qualifies for the Program? The Pfizer PAP helps U.S. residents (including Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands) treated outpatient by a licensed provider. Key requirements: - Valid U.S. prescription for Depo-Provera. - **No commercial insurance** (e.g., employer plans or Federal Employee plans)—these patients are ineligible.[1][2][7] - Medicare Part D patients may qualify after enrolling in the voluntary **Medicare Prescription Payment Plan**.[8] - Proof of income showing financial need (specific thresholds not publicly disclosed, but program evaluates based on submitted documents).[2][4][6] - Must reside and receive care in the U.S., PR, or USVI.[2] Eligibility can change; call 1-844-989-PATH (1-844-989-7284) to verify.[1][2] ## Income Eligibility Breakdown Pfizer PAP does not publish fixed income thresholds publicly, unlike some programs. Instead, they review individual proof of income to determine need. Common documents accepted include: | Document Type | Details | |--------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------| | **Federal Tax Return** | Pages 1-2 of prior year's Form 1040 or 1040EZ (signed if required) | | **W-2 Forms** | Wage and tax statements from employer | | **Paycheck Stubs** | Two recent stubs showing total income | | **Government Income Proof** | Social Security (SSA-1099), pension, or railroad retirement statements | | **Other** | As specified; electronic verification may be used if consented | Submit one showing **total annual household income**. Programs like this typically target those below 400-500% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL), but confirm via phone as it's case-by-case.[2][4][7] ## Insurance Requirements - **Commercially insured patients are not eligible**—no assistance if covered by job-based, marketplace, or similar plans.[1][2][7] - **Uninsured or underinsured** (e.g., high copays, no coverage) may qualify. - **Medicare patients**: Must first enroll in the Medicare Prescription Payment Plan (spreads out-of-pocket costs monthly). Enroll via your plan or medicare.gov.[8] - Some medicines require trying other assistance first.[2] ## Step-by-Step Application Process 1. **Confirm Eligibility**: Call **1-844-989-PATH (1-844-989-7284)** or visit www.PfizerRxPathways.com Program Finder. Enter "Depo-Provera" and follow prompts.[1][2] 2. **Gather Documents**: - Valid prescription from your doctor. - Completed enrollment form (patient and doctor sections).[4][6] - Proof of income (see table above).[2][4] - No medical records needed.[4] 3. **Apply**: - **Preferred**: Online via Pfizer PAP Connect at PfizerRxPathways.com (upload docs, track status).[1][3] - **Phone**: Call the number above for manual process if online unavailable.[1] - **Mail/Fax**: Send to Pfizer Patient Assistance Program, P.O. Box 66585, St. Louis, MO 63166-6585 (Fax: 866-470-1748). Doctor can fax their section.[4][6] 4. **Doctor Involvement**: Your prescriber completes their section, signs, and may submit on your behalf.[2][6] 5. **Submit and Wait**: Expect notification in **2-3 weeks** via letter with enrollment term and next steps.[1][4] ## Timeline and Delivery - **Processing**: 2-3 weeks for approval/denial notice.[1][4] - **Supply Duration**: Varies (often 1-year enrollment, renewable).[6] - **Delivery**: Shipped free directly to your home or doctor's office.[1][6] - Track online if using PAP Connect.[3] ## Alternatives if Denied or Ineligible - **State Programs**: Check via Benefits.gov or state Medicaid for contraceptive coverage. - **Other PAPs**: RxAssist.org or NeedyMeds.org for similar injectables. - **Manufacturer Copay Cards**: If commercially insured, Pfizer may offer savings (not via PAP).[2] - **Clinics**: Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) or Planned Parenthood often provide low-cost Depo-Provera. - **Generic Options**: Medroxyprogesterone acetate injections from other makers; compare via GoodRx. - Reapply if circumstances change or call for other Pfizer RxPathways options.[1][8] ## Important Disclaimer This guide is for informational purposes based on publicly available data as of program details provided. Pfizer PAP rules, eligibility, and processes can change without notice—always verify directly with Pfizer at 1-844-989-PATH or PfizerRxPathways.com. Not medical advice; consult your doctor for Depo-Provera suitability. Pfizer Inc. and Pfizer Patient Assistance Foundation are separate entities. Assistance not guaranteed; individual results vary. Word count: 1028.

Program information last verified: March 30, 2026