PhosLo

Indicated For

Hyperphosphatemia, End-stage renal disease (ESRD)

About This Medication

# Fresenius PhosLo Patient Assistance Program Patient Guide: How to Get PhosLo at Low or No Cost PhosLo (calcium acetate) is a **phosphate binder** used by people with **end-stage renal disease (ESRD)** on dialysis to control high phosphate levels in the blood, helping prevent complications like bone disease and heart problems.[1] The **Fresenius PhosLo Patient Assistance Program** provides **free medication** to eligible patients who meet specific financial and medical criteria, shipping up to a **60-day supply directly to your home**.[1] ## About PhosLo and Why You Might Need It PhosLo helps bind dietary phosphate in your gut so it's not absorbed into your bloodstream, which is crucial for dialysis patients since kidneys can't remove excess phosphate.[1] High phosphate can lead to **calcification of blood vessels**, weak bones, itching, and cardiovascular risks. Your doctor prescribes it based on lab tests like serum phosphate levels. **Always take as directed**, usually with meals, and discuss any side effects like constipation with your healthcare team.[1] This program is a lifeline for those struggling with costs, especially since PhosLo is often not fully covered by insurance for long-term use. ## Who Qualifies? To qualify, you must: - Have a **diagnosis of ESRD** and be **on dialysis** (your doctor verifies this).[1] - Be a **US citizen or permanent resident** (proof may be required).[3] - Have **no prescription coverage** for any medications.[1] - Meet **income guidelines** (not publicly disclosed; based on ratio of household income to out-of-pocket medical expenses).[1][3] **Medicare Part D patients in the 'donut hole'** (coverage gap) may qualify if their income-to-expense ratio fits, using pharmacy printouts of expenses.[1] ## Income Eligibility Breakdown Exact income thresholds are **not disclosed** publicly. Instead, eligibility hinges on your **household income compared to medical expenses** (e.g., dialysis costs, other meds). Provide proof like tax returns, pay stubs, or pharmacy expense printouts.[3] | Household Type | Threshold | Notes | |---------------|-----------|-------| | **Individual** | Not disclosed | Ratio of income to medical expenses considered[1] | | **Couple** | Not disclosed | Include all household income sources[3] | | **Family of 3** | Not disclosed | Pharmacy expense history helps[1] | | **Family of 4+** | Not disclosed | Tax returns for all filers required[3] | | **FPL %** | Not specified | Focus on medical debt ratio[1] | **Tip**: Gather 1-2 years of income docs and pharmacy records showing out-of-pocket costs to strengthen your case.[3] ## Insurance Requirements - **No prescription coverage** for **any medications** is required—no private insurance, Medicaid, etc., covering scripts.[1] - **Medicare Part D**: Eligible if in donut hole **and** income/expense ratio qualifies (pharmacy provides printout).[1] - Medicare patients without Part D or with gaps may apply. - **Not for those with active coverage**—program checks via application.[3] ## Step-by-Step Application Process 1. **Contact the program**: Call **(877) 774-6756** for application form or info. Fax: (866) 496-8638.[1][3] 2. **Get doctor involved**: Your physician (or dialysis clinic) must complete **prescriber verification** of ESRD/dialysis and sign the agreement.[1][3] 3. **Fill out patient section**: Include personal info, income details, household size.[3] 4. **Gather documents**: - **Completed application**.[1] - **Physician verification** of diagnosis/dialysis.[1] - **Proof of income** (tax returns, pay stubs).[3] - **Proof of residency** (if non-citizen).[3] - **Copies of insurance cards** (to prove no coverage) or pharmacy expense printout.[1][3] - **Pharmacy history** (2010-era forms mentioned old reqs; current may vary—ask).[3] 5. **Submit**: **Mail** to Fresenius PhosLo PAP, 10350 Ormsby Park Place, Ste#500, Louisville, KY 40223. Or fax prescriber part to (866)496-8638 first.[1][3] 6. **Sign agreements**: Patient and prescriber must sign.[3] **Pro Tip**: Make copies of everything. Incomplete apps are rejected.[3] ## Timeline and Delivery - **Processing time**: Not specified; call for updates.[1] - **Approval**: If approved, **up to 60-day supply** ships to your **home**.[1] - **Refills**: Doctor submits **replacement form** for each refill.[1] - **Reauthorization**: **Every 6 months**, new full application needed.[1] Expect 2-4 weeks typically for PAPs, but track via phone. ## Alternatives if Denied or Ineligible - **Other phosphate binders**: Velphoro (Fresenius program), Renvela (Sanofi PAP), Fosrenol (Takeda).[6] - **American Kidney Fund**: Helps with premiums, meds, transport.[6] - **RxHope/RxAssist**: Search other PhosLo/Phoslyra PAPs.[7] - **Medicare Extra Help**: For low-income Part D enrollees. - **Clinic social worker**: Assists with appeals or generics.[5] - **Generic calcium acetate**: Cheaper at pharmacies. If denied, ask for reason (e.g., income) and reapply with more expense proof.[1] ## Important Disclaimer This guide is for informational purposes based on available program details as of latest sources.[1][3] Eligibility, rules, and forms **may change**—**always verify with (877) 774-6756**.[1] Not medical/financial advice. Consult your doctor for treatment; program doesn't guarantee approval. RxResource.org and similar sites aggregate info—official source is Fresenius.[1] Word count: ~950.

Program information last verified: March 30, 2026