Requip

Indicated For

Parkinson's disease, Restless Legs Syndrome

About This Medication

# GSK Patient Assistance Program Patient Guide: How to Get Requip (ropinirole) at Low or No Cost Requip (ropinirole) is a medication used to treat symptoms of Parkinson's disease and moderate-to-severe restless legs syndrome (RLS). The **GSK Patient Assistance Program** offers this and other GSK medicines at no cost to eligible patients who are uninsured or meet specific Medicare criteria and have household income at or below **250% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL)**.[1][4] ## About Requip (ropinirole) **Requip (ropinirole)** belongs to a class of drugs called dopamine agonists. It works by mimicking dopamine in the brain, helping to control movement disorders. For Parkinson's disease, it treats symptoms like tremors, stiffness, and slowed movement. For restless legs syndrome, it reduces uncomfortable sensations in the legs and the urge to move them, especially at night.[1] Common side effects include nausea, dizziness, drowsiness, and fatigue. Some people experience sleep attacks or unusual urges like gambling. Always take it as prescribed and discuss side effects with your doctor. This program helps if cost is a barrier to getting this important treatment. ## Who Qualifies for the Program? The GSK Patient Assistance Program, managed by the independent GSK Patient Access Programs Foundation, provides free GSK medications like Requip to qualifying U.S. residents (including Puerto Rico and sometimes U.S. Virgin Islands for certain products).[1][4] Key requirements include: - **Residency**: Live in the United States, Puerto Rico, or qualifying territories. - **Treated by a U.S. licensed healthcare provider**.[4] - **Income**: Household income at or below **250% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL)** for uninsured patients without prescription coverage. Specific dollar thresholds vary by year and location—check current FPL guidelines.[1][4] - **Insurance status**: Uninsured or Medicare patients meeting other requirements; excludes those with private insurance prescription coverage.[4] **Note**: Medicare Part D patients have additional rules, like proving $600 spent on prescriptions in the calendar year.[7] ## Income Eligibility Breakdown Eligibility is based on **gross household income** at or below **250% FPL**. Use the table below for 2026 estimates (actual amounts update annually; verify at gskpaf.org or call the program).[7] | Household Size | 48 States & DC (250% FPL) | Alaska (250% FPL) | Hawaii (250% FPL) | |---------------|---------------------------|-------------------|-------------------| | 1 | $37,500 | $46,875 | $43,125 | | 2 | $50,750 | $63,500 | $58,375 | | 3 | $64,000 | $80,125 | $73,625 | | 4 | $77,250 | $96,750 | $88,875 | | Each additional | +$13,250 | +$16,625 | +$15,250 | **How to calculate**: Add all household incomes (pre-tax). Include everyone living with you, even non-relatives if sharing expenses. Exclude certain deductions like childcare. Use the program's pre-screening tool at https://gskpaf.org.[1][7] ## Insurance Requirements - **Uninsured patients**: No prescription coverage from private insurance qualify if income ≤250% FPL.[4] - **Medicare patients**: Eligible if you have Medicare Part D, meet income limits, and have spent at least $600 on prescriptions that year. Provide your Medicare Beneficiary Identifier (MBI) and proof of spend.[2][7] - **Exclusions**: Patients with active private prescription insurance coverage do not qualify. The program isn't health insurance—it's charitable aid.[1][4] If you have coverage, explore GSK's Reimbursement Resource Center first.[5] ## Step-by-Step Application Process Applying is straightforward with multiple methods: online, phone, mail, or fax.[1][2] 1. **Check eligibility**: Visit https://gskpaf.org or call **(866) 728-4368** (Mon-Fri, 8am-8pm ET) for a quick screening.[1][3] 2. **Get your prescription**: Ask your doctor for a signed original prescription for Requip, written as medically appropriate. Faxed ones need a cover sheet from the doctor's office.[2] 3. **Gather documents**: - Proof of income (tax returns, pay stubs, W-2s covering 4-12 months). - Proof of residency (utility bill, lease). - Proof of insurance status (Medicare card or denial letter; spend proof for Part D). - Completed application (download from https://gskpaf.org).[2][3] 4. **Complete and submit**: - Fill out the form fully (patient info, consent, signature). - Mail to: GSK PAP, PO Box 220590, Charlotte, NC 28222-0590. - Fax: 1-855-474-3063. - Or apply online/register advocate at www.GSKPatientAssistancePortal.com.[3][10] 5. **Sign consents**: Authorize sharing info with your doctor/insurer for eligibility checks.[2][3] **Tip**: Keep copies of everything—originals aren't returned. Incomplete apps delay processing.[2] ## Timeline and Delivery Processing time varies (not specified exactly), but expect 2-4 weeks if complete. Track via phone or portal.[1][2] Medication ships free to your home or doctor's office.[4] Initial supply lasts up to 12 months; refills available by calling **(866) 728-4368** or online.[1][4] **Reauthorization**: Required periodically—your doctor must confirm ongoing need.[1] ## Alternatives if Denied or Ineligible - **GSK Reimbursement Support**: For insured patients, visit GSK's resource center.[5] - **Other PAPs**: Check NeedyMeds.org or RxAssist.org for Requip alternatives. - **Generic ropinirole**: Often cheaper; ask your doctor. - **State programs**: Medicaid, Extra Help for Medicare (apply at SSA.gov). - **Patient advocacy**: Groups like PAN Foundation. - **No biosimilars** available for Requip.[4][9] ## Disclaimer This guide is for informational purposes based on publicly available program details as of 2026. Eligibility, income limits, and rules can change—always verify directly with GSK PAP at (866) 728-4368 or https://gskpaf.org. Not medical or legal advice. Consult your healthcare provider for treatment decisions. GSK PAP is charitable, not insurance, and availability varies by product.[1][2]

Program information last verified: March 30, 2026