Take action to end harmful copay accumulator programs and make all copays count!

Did you know that some health insurance plans use copay accumulator programs to prevent financial assistance from counting toward your deductible and out-of-pocket maximum? These programs can leave patients with unexpected and overwhelming bills at the pharmacy counter—even after receiving financial help to afford their medications.

Copay assistance from drug manufacturers, charitable organizations, or even family members is a lifeline for people managing serious and chronic conditions. However, copay accumulators allow insurers to accept these payments without applying them to a patient's cost-sharing limits. As a result, patients are left with a much higher financial burden, making it harder to access the medications they need.
 
The Help Ensure Lower Patient (HELP) Copays Act. This bipartisan bill would:

✔️ Require all payments made by or on behalf of a patient—including copay assistance—to count toward deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums.

✔️ Close loopholes that allow employer health plans to classify certain medications as “non-essential” to avoid counting cost-sharing payments.

While 21 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico have banned copay accumulators, federal action is urgently needed to protect patients nationwide—especially those with large group and self-funded insurance plans.

Your voice matters! Urge your Senators to cosponsor the HELP Copays Act and help end these harmful practices. Send your message now to protect patients' access to life-saving medications!

If you or a loved one has faced challenges accessing or affording care due to these issues, we want to hear from you! Easily share your story here and help bring to life the real impact of these policies on patients’ lives.