Precose

Indicated For

type 2 diabetes

About This Medication

# Bayer Patient Assistance Foundation Patient Guide: How to Get Precose (Acarbose) at Low or No Cost Precose (acarbose) is an oral medication used to help control blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes, often alongside diet and exercise. The **Bayer US Patient Assistance Foundation** provides this medicine **free of charge** to eligible uninsured or underinsured patients facing financial hardship.[1][2][3] ## About Precose (Acarbose) **Precose** belongs to a class of drugs called alpha-glucosidase inhibitors. It works by slowing the digestion of carbohydrates in the small intestine, which helps prevent sharp spikes in blood sugar after meals. This can reduce the risk of diabetes complications like heart disease, nerve damage, and kidney problems when used as part of a comprehensive diabetes management plan. Common side effects include gas, bloating, and diarrhea, especially when starting treatment—these often improve over time. Always take it with the first bite of a main meal. Your doctor will monitor your blood sugar and adjust your dose, typically starting at 25 mg three times daily and increasing as needed up to 100 mg three times daily.[5][8] Precose is prescription-only and not a substitute for insulin or other diabetes treatments. Consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice. ## Who Qualifies for the Bayer Patient Assistance Program? The program targets patients who cannot afford their Bayer medications due to financial challenges. Key eligibility criteria include:[5][8][9] - **Residency**: Must be a U.S. citizen or legal U.S. resident. - **Insurance Status**: Uninsured or ineligible for federal/state programs like Medicare Part D, Medicaid, or other government assistance. No active prescription insurance coverage.[8][9] - **Financial Need**: Household income at or below a percentage of the **Federal Poverty Level (FPL)**, determined case-by-case. Exact thresholds vary by household size and are not publicly fixed but align with low-income guidelines (typically around 300-400% FPL for similar programs; confirm via application).[5][8] - **Prescription**: Valid prescription from a U.S.-licensed healthcare provider for Precose. - **Age**: Generally for adults 18+, though specifics depend on review.[1] Patients with third-party or government insurance are typically ineligible, as the program does not charge insurers or patients for free meds.[2] ## Income Eligibility Breakdown Bayer assesses income based on **Federal Poverty Level (FPL)** guidelines, which adjust annually. Eligibility is case-by-case, requiring proof like tax returns or pay stubs. While exact percentages aren't specified, programs like this often cap at **≤300-400% FPL**. Use the table below for 2026 FPL estimates (based on prior years; verify current via HHS.gov).[5][8] | Household Size | 100% FPL | 200% FPL | 300% FPL | 400% FPL | |----------------|----------|----------|----------|----------| | 1 (Individual) | $15,060 | $30,120 | $45,180 | $60,240 | | 2 (Couple) | $20,440 | $40,880 | $61,320 | $81,760 | | 3 | $25,820 | $51,640 | $77,460 | $103,280| | 4 | $31,200 | $62,400 | $93,600 | $124,800| | +1 Person | +$5,380 | +$10,760| +$16,140| +$21,520| *Notes: Add ~$5,380 per additional person. Income includes all household sources. Bayer reviews documentation to confirm.[5]* ## Insurance Requirements You **must not** have active prescription coverage through private insurance, Medicare Part D, Medicaid, VA, or similar. If enrolled in Medicare Part D, you may need to have exhausted certain benefits or met specific spend thresholds (e.g., $600 out-of-pocket in some cases), but Bayer prioritizes those fully ineligible.[8][9] Provide proof of insurance denial or lack thereof. The program ensures **no charges** to patients or insurers.[2] ## Step-by-Step Application Process 1. **Contact Bayer**: Call **1-866-575-5002** (9 AM-5 PM ET) or **800-998-9180 Ext. 1**. Patients or doctors can request prescreening and application.[4][5][8] 2. **Gather Documents**: Prepare proof of income (e.g., 2025 tax return, W-2s, pay stubs), residency (e.g., driver's license), no insurance proof, and Precose prescription.[5] 3. **Complete Forms**: Download printable application from RxHope or request via phone. Both **patient and healthcare provider** must sign.[5][9] 4. **Submit**: Fax to **1-866-575-6568** or mail to Bayer Patient Assistance Program, PO Box 29209, Phoenix, AZ 85038-9209 (or 6 West Belt, W66, Wayne, NJ 07470).[4][5] 5. **Doctor's Role**: Application goes to provider's office; they handle submission and receive meds.[5] Visit **patientassistance.bayer.us** for tools and updates.[1][6] ## Timeline and Delivery - **Processing**: 1 week to 10 days after approval.[5] - **Supply**: Up to **90-day supply** (3 months) with **3 refills**, then reapply every **12 months**.[8] - **Delivery**: Shipped **free** to your **healthcare provider's office** for pickup/dispensing.[5][8] Track status by calling the program. ## Alternatives if Denied or Ineligible - **RxHope** or **RxAssist**: Search other PAPs or generics.[9][10] - **NeedyMeds** or **RxResource**: Broader assistance directories.[5] - **State Programs**: Check Medicaid expansion or diabetes assistance. - **Generic Acarbose**: Cheaper at pharmacies; use GoodRx coupons. - **Biosimilars**: None currently available.[ ] - **Other Bayer Tools**: Savings cards if low-income but insured (check bayer.com).[3] ## Disclaimer This guide is for informational purposes based on available program details as of 2026. Eligibility, guidelines, and contacts may change—**always verify directly with Bayer at 1-866-575-5002 or patientassistance.bayer.us**.[1][5] Not medical or legal advice. Consult your doctor before starting Precose. Bayer US Patient Assistance Foundation is a charitable entity; approval not guaranteed.[3]

Program information last verified: March 30, 2026