Get Affordable Prescriptions

When your finances are tight, and affording the medicine that keeps you healthy seems impossible, get help by tapping into a prescription assistance program. How’s that? Prescription drug makers offer certain medications for free or at low-cost for people with limited incomes and high prescription drug costs, and/or those who are either uninsured or under-insured. These programs are usually meant for people with long-term illnesses. However, you may qualify if you have a large family and excessive prescription drug costs.

Each drug company has its own checklist of requirements. But in general, an applicant must: not already have insurance coverage for medicine, not be able to afford other necessities because of medicine costs and have an annual income ranging from $18,400 for a family of four to $50,000 a year.

How do you apply, right? Have a talk with a health care provider or your primary care physician and ask for assistance filling out forms. Companies such as Needy Meds and The Medicine Program can also help you qualify and/or fill out the paperwork. Lastly, contact drug makers directly.

Here are a few more helpful resources to assist you:

• Helping Patients: Find out if you qualify for free prescription assistance using this resource.
   
• Nation's Voice on Mental Illness: Get a list of mental illness medications and related prescription assistance programs.
   
• Rx Hope: You can enter the name of your medication and find out the drug company's name, contact information and qualifications.
   
• Benefits Checkup: Seniors can find out if they qualify for special benefits.
   
• If your doctor or health care provider would like to participate in these types of programs, they can call (800) PMA-INFO for more information.