Lidoderm

Indicated For

post-herpetic neuralgia, PHN

About This Medication

# Bausch Health Patient Assistance Program Guide: How to Get Lidoderm (Lidocaine) at Low or No Cost Lidoderm (lidocaine patch 5%) is a prescription topical medication used to relieve pain from post-herpetic neuralgia, a complication of shingles that causes nerve pain.[1] The **Bausch Health Patient Assistance Program (PAP)** provides **free Lidoderm patches** to eligible uninsured or low-income U.S. patients, including certain Medicaid patients whose coverage has changed.[1][4] This guide explains eligibility, application steps, and tips to access your medication affordably. ## About Lidoderm and Why It's Prescribed **Lidoderm patches** contain lidocaine, a local anesthetic that numbs nerve endings to reduce pain signals. Applied directly to the painful area (maximum 3 patches daily for 12 hours), it's FDA-approved specifically for post-herpetic neuralgia but often used off-label for other nerve or musculoskeletal pain under doctor guidance.[1] Without insurance, costs can exceed $300 for a box of 30 patches. The Bausch Health PAP covers this product for qualifying patients, shipping it free to your home for up to 1 year.[4] Common side effects include skin redness, itching, or numbness at the site. Rarely, it may cause dizziness or irregular heartbeat—contact your doctor if severe. Always follow your prescriber's instructions and remove patches before MRI scans or baths.[1] ## Who Qualifies for the Program? To qualify, you must:[1][4] - Be a **legal U.S. resident**. - Have a **valid prescription** from a licensed U.S. healthcare provider for a Bausch Health product like Lidoderm. - Lack **insurance coverage** for Lidoderm (uninsured or coverage denied; special rules for Medicaid). - Be treated as an **outpatient** (not hospitalized). - Meet **household income limits** (pre-defined by the program; exact % of Federal Poverty Level not specified publicly—call to verify).[1] **Medicaid patients**: As of October 1, 2025, Bausch Health stopped participating in some federal Medicaid programs. If your Medicaid plan no longer covers Lidoderm, you may get it free through PAP.[4] **Exclusions**: Medicare patients may face restrictions—many PAPs exclude them, so confirm eligibility.[2] Active commercial insurance covering the drug disqualifies you.[1] ## Income Eligibility Breakdown Bausch Health PAP uses household income thresholds based on Federal Poverty Level (FPL), though exact percentages aren't detailed online. Programs like this typically cover incomes up to 400-500% FPL, but call 1-833-862-8727 for your situation.[1][4] Here's a general 2026 FPL table for reference (adjust for household size; verify with program): | Household Size | 100% FPL | 400% FPL (Typical PAP Max) | |----------------|----------|----------------------------| | 1 (Individual) | $15,060 | $60,240 | | 2 (Couple) | $20,440 | $81,760 | | 3 | $25,820 | $103,280 | | 4 | $31,200 | $124,800 | *Add ~$5,380 per extra person for 100% FPL. Income includes all household earnings. Assets may factor in.[1][2]* **Notes**: Provide proof like tax returns or pay stubs. Medicaid patients have streamlined eligibility if coverage lapsed.[4] ## Insurance Requirements - **No coverage required**: You must be uninsured for Lidoderm or have denial proof.[1] - **Medicare**: Often ineligible; explore Extra Help (LIS) for Part D copays instead.[2] - **Commercial/Medicaid**: Submit insurance cards (front/back) and pharmacy out-of-pocket (OOP) statement showing cost responsibility. If denied, include denial letter.[1] - **Special**: Medicaid patients post-2025 changes qualify if plan dropped coverage.[4] ## Step-by-Step Application Process 1. **Check Eligibility**: Confirm Lidoderm is covered (it is) and review your insurance/income. Download the form from bauschhealthpap.com (Medicaid or non-Medicaid version).[1][4] 2. **Gather Documents**: - Proof of residency (e.g., ID). - Income proof (tax return, W-2s, pay stubs for all household). - Insurance cards (front/back) + pharmacy OOP statement. - Valid Lidoderm prescription.[1] 3. **Complete Application**: - Patient: Fill pages 1-3 (personal/income info), product selection (page 4), attach docs. - Prescriber: Completes pages 4-6, signs certification (electronic signatures OK; no stamps for controlled substances).[1] 4. **Submit**: - **Phone**: Call 1-833-862-8727 (Mon-Fri 8am-8pm EST) for help or full application.[4] - **Fax**: 844-705-0160. - **Mail**: Bausch Health PAP, P.O. Box 991624, Louisville, KY 40269.[1] No application fee. Info is confidential.[4] ## Timeline and Delivery - **Review**: As fast as **24-48 hours**; typically 1-2 weeks.[4] - **Approval Notice**: Mailed/called; if incomplete, on hold until fixed.[1] - **Delivery**: Free shipping to your home. Up to 1-year supply; doctor coordinates refills.[4] - **Reauthorization**: Annual reapplication if still eligible with valid Rx.[1][4] ## Alternatives if Denied or Ineligible - **GoodRx/Discounts**: Save up to 80% at pharmacies (no income check).[2] - **Medicare Extra Help**: For Part D, limits copays if low-income.[2] - **State Programs**: Check state Dept. of Aging for assistance.[2] - **RxAssist/RxHope**: Find other PAPs or generics.[3][5] - **Generic Lidocaine Patches**: Cheaper OTC options or Rx alternatives.[6] - **Contact Bausch**: Appeal denials at 1-833-862-8727.[4] ## Disclaimer This guide is for informational purposes based on publicly available data as of 2026. Eligibility, income limits, and policies can change—**always verify directly with Bausch Health PAP at 1-833-862-8727 or bauschhealthpap.com**. Not medical/financial advice. Consult your doctor for treatment; program not guaranteed. Bausch Health reserves rights to modify/discontinue.[1][4]

Program information last verified: March 30, 2026