Apply for Assistance

BREATH (Bridging Resources to Encourage Asthma Treatment and Health) is a comprehensive asthma and allergy management program.

We provide medications, equipment, education and support to eligible children and young adults up to the age of 22 who have been diagnosed with asthma and/or allergies of all types.

Eligibility

This program is designed to help those who:

  • Have no insurance and are applying for MO Medicaid, MO HealthNet for Kids, Illinois All Kids or Kids Care, and are waiting for coverage to become effective
  • Have insurance, but need assistance with prescription copays

You must also meet the following criteria:

  • Under the age of 22
  • From families within 200% of the Federal Poverty Level, based on family size
  • Live in the following Missouri or Illinois counties: St. Louis City (MO), St. Louis County (MO), Jefferson (MO), St. Charles (MO), Madison (IL), St. Clair (IL)

Types of Assistance

AAFA-STL provides assistance on a first-come, first-served basis as long as funding is available and the eligibility criteria is met.

For those with no insurance, we can provide coverage for 3 months, until a financial limit of $925 is reached or until you are enrolled in health care coverage, whichever comes first.

Please note that we are not a long-term solution. We serve as a stop-gap for those in need of asthma and allergy medicines while they apply for and secure additional coverage. All full-pay clients are required to apply to MO Medicaid, MO HealthNet for Kids, Illinois All Kids or Kids Care.

If you are not eligible for your state’s Medicaid program, you must apply to get your medicines through the pharmaceutical company’s prescription assistance programs. AAFA-STL can help identify the best program for your situation. You can also contact the Advocates for Family Health at 314-534-1263 if you believe you were wrongfully denied coverage.

For those with insurance but struggling with copayments, we can provide assistance up to $925 per rolling calendar year. High-deductible copay clients may be required to seek additional resources if they exceed this annual limit.

Copay clients can renew annually and will be evaluated for continued eligibility. AAFA-STL mails renewal paperwork each year in May.

Covered Items

The following medicine, equipment and resources are provided to BREATH participants.

  • Approved asthma and allergy medications
  • Durable medical equipment: nebulizer machines, nebulizer accessories and attachments (tubing, masks, etc.)
  • Peak flow meters
  • Spacers
  • Allergic bed encasings
  • Asthma management/education materials

Application & Approval Process

Fill out an application

AAFA-STL reviews all applications individually and strives to provide immediate support. You can apply for our BREATH program online or by downloading a paper application. For those who don’t have internet access, you can call us directly at 314-645-2422 to get an application.

Collect income verification

Income verification typically includes the previous year’s tax return and one month worth of the most recent pay stubs for the entire household.

  • If the applicant filed income tax or was listed as a dependent on someone else’s income tax return for the most recently filed tax year, attach a copy of page one of the tax form.
  • If no tax was filed or if the tax form does not represent current income, attach proof of income from all sources for the most recent 30-day period for the applicant and all members of the household. View examples of acceptable proof of income.

Provide insurance information

For copay applicants, make a copy of the front and back of your insurance card and Rx card, if different.

Send in application materials

Mail or fax all the application materials to AAFA-STL at:
5501 Delmar Blvd., Suite A450
St. Louis, MO 63112
Fax: 314-645-2022

What to Expect

Once you’ve applied to the BREATH program, we will reach out to you to discuss your application’s status and answer any questions you may have.

If your application is approved, there are a few steps you’ll need to follow:

  1. Transfer your asthma/allergy prescriptions to our pharmacy partners.
  2. Inform the pharmacy that you’re a client of AAFA-STL and arrange for your prescription delivery or pickup.
  3. Look out for your welcome packet, which will be mailed to you within two weeks of your welcome phone call.
  4. Complete mandatory surveys about your child’s asthma. The frequency of these surveys will depend on whether you’re a full-pay or copay client.

Remember to promptly notify AAFA-STL of any changes related to your income level, financial situation, insurance or medical condition.

If you’re not approved, AAFA-STL is still committed to helping you manage your asthma and allergies. We maintain a list of resources on our website for individuals who need full pay or copay assistance. You can access these resources anytime you need them.

Pharmacy Partners

We partner with Beverly Hills Pharmacy in Missouri and LV Health & Wellness Pharmacy in Illinois. Both pharmacies accept most insurance plans and deliver medicines for free. They work with us to provide medicines at the lowest price, so we can help as many individuals as possible.

Address: 7150 Natural Bridge Road, St. Louis, MO 63121
Phone: 314-381-8600
Fax: 314-381-6844
Hours of Operation: M-F, 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., Saturday: 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., Closed Sunday
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Address: 1219 Thouvenot Ln Suite #111, Shiloh, IL 62269
Phone: 618-589-9889
Fax: 618-589-9880
Hours of Operation: M-F, 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m., Saturday: 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m., Closed Sunday
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