Eskalith

Indicated For

acute mania, bipolar disorder

About This Medication

# Eskalith (Lithium Carbonate) Patient Guide: How to Get Your Medication at Low or No Cost Eskalith, also known as lithium carbonate, is a vital medication for managing bipolar disorder by stabilizing mood, thoughts, and behaviors.[8] This guide explains patient assistance options since there is no direct manufacturer-sponsored program from its producer, GlaxoSmithKline (now under various generics), but programs like Medicare assistance, third-party services, and copay foundations can help reduce costs significantly.[1][2][3][4] ## About Eskalith (Lithium Carbonate) **Eskalith** is a brand name for lithium carbonate, available as capsules (150 mg, 300 mg, 600 mg), tablets (300 mg), extended-release tablets (like Eskalith CR 450 mg), or oral solution.[7] It treats **bipolar disorder** by balancing brain chemicals that regulate mood, preventing manic and depressive episodes.[8] Doctors often prescribe it as a first-line treatment despite monitoring needs for blood levels, kidney function, and thyroid health due to potential side effects like nausea, tremor, or toxicity if levels are too high.[5][7][8] Patients must inform doctors of conditions like kidney disease, heart issues, dehydration, or low sodium before starting, as lithium requires regular blood tests.[8] It's not for everyone—pregnant individuals or those with certain allergies should avoid it.[8] Always take as prescribed, usually divided doses, and maintain steady salt/water intake. ## Who Qualifies for Assistance? No single manufacturer patient assistance program (PAP) exists for Eskalith, but multiple pathways offer low or no-cost access:[1] - **Medicare Enrollees (Seniors 65+ and Disabled):** A specific program covers Eskalith CR for those with income below **$30,000 (single)** or **$40,000 (couple)**—about **300% of the federal poverty level (FPL)**.[1] This targets Medicare Part D users facing high costs. - **Medicare Extra Help/Low-Income Subsidy:** Reduces Part D premiums, deductibles, and copays if income/assets qualify (limits vary yearly; check SSA.gov).[2] - **Medicare Prescription Payment Plan (since 2025):** Spreads out-of-pocket costs (up to $2,000 annual cap) into monthly payments—no upfront full payment needed.[2] - **Third-Party Services like Prescription Hope:** Offers Eskalith/Lithobid for **$70/month**, regardless of insurance.[3] - **PAN Foundation (for Bipolar Disorder):** Grants up to **$4,400/year** for copays if diagnosed with bipolar disorder and insured.[4] Uninsured or low-income patients may qualify for state programs or generics.[2] ## Income Eligibility Breakdown Key thresholds focus on Medicare-linked aid. Here's a table based on available data (2026 FPL approx. $15,060 individual/$20,440 couple; 300% is ~$45,180/$61,320—but program uses fixed $30k/$40k):[1] | Household Size | Annual Income Limit | Program/Source | |---------------|---------------------|---------------| | **Individual** | **$30,000** | Medicare PAP for seniors/disabled[1] | | **Couple** | **$40,000** | Medicare PAP for seniors/disabled[1] | | **Family of 3** | Varies (e.g., Extra Help ~135-150% FPL + assets) | Medicare Extra Help[2] | | **Family of 4** | Varies (e.g., Extra Help ~135-150% FPL + assets) | Medicare Extra Help[2] | | **% of FPL** | **~300%** (but capped) | Medicare programs[1][2] | **Notes:** Exact FPL adjusts yearly; PAN Foundation uses adjusted gross income without strict household caps.[4] Verify current limits. ## Insurance Requirements - **Medicare:** Required for seniors/disabled PAP; government insurance excludes BMS-style copay aid, but foundations like PAN help.[1][9] - **Commercial/Private Insurance:** Eligible for PAN copay grants (up to $4,400).[4] - **Medicaid/TRICARE:** Ineligible for some copay programs; explore Extra Help or state aid.[2][9] - **Uninsured:** Prescription Hope ($70/mo) or generics via pharmacies.[3] Medicare Part D changes (2025+): $2,000 out-of-pocket cap and payment plans aid all enrollees.[2] ## Step-by-Step Application Process 1. **Check Eligibility:** Use RxHope.com for Eskalith listings or SSA.gov for Extra Help prescreen.[1][2] 2. **For Medicare PAP:** Contact via RxHope (rxhope.com/PAPList.aspx?drugid=1093); provide income proof, Medicare ID.[1] 3. **Apply for Extra Help:** Online at SSA.gov, call 1-800-MEDICARE, or mail Form SSA-1020.[2] 4. **PAN Foundation (Copay):** Visit **panapply.org**, create account (1-2 days), submit diagnosis, provider info, insurance ID, income, SSN. Or call **1-866-316-7263** (M-F 9am-5:30pm ET).[4] 5. **Prescription Hope:** Enroll online/phone for $70/mo flat rate.[3] 6. **Gather Docs:** Proof of income (taxes, paystubs), Medicare/insurance card, Rx, diagnosis note.[4] 7. **Submit & Follow Up:** Online fastest; phone for help.[4] ## Timeline and Delivery Processing varies: - PAN: Decisions in days; grants direct to pharmacy/you.[4] - Medicare Extra Help: 4-6 weeks typical.[2] - RxHope/Medicare PAP: 2-4 weeks.[1] - Prescription Hope: Quick monthly shipments.[3] Delivery: Mail-order or pharmacy pickup; Medicare plan dictates.[2] ## Alternatives if Denied - **GoodRx Coupons:** Instant pharmacy discounts.[2] - **Generics:** Cheaper lithium carbonate ER (Lithobid equivalent).[3][7] - **State Programs:** Search Medicare.gov for SPAPs (e.g., PA PACE).[2] - **PAN Other Funds:** Reapply or try different diagnosis funds.[4] - **NeedyMeds/RxAssist:** Aggregate PAP searches. - **Doctor Samples** or 340B clinics for low-income. ## Disclaimer This guide synthesizes public info as of 2026 but programs change; verify directly (e.g., RxHope, PANapply.org).[1][4] Not medical/financial advice—consult doctor/pharmacist. Assistance not guaranteed; income/assets reviewed case-by-case. Lithium requires monitoring; never adjust without provider OK.[8]

Program information last verified: March 30, 2026