Millions of low-income families in the United States need prescription drug help. Soaring costs for medicine make it difficult for people in poverty to purchase the drugs they need to stay healthy. Talk to your physician about more affordable options for prescriptions, and consider some of the following medical assistance programs designed specifically for low-income Americans.
Medicare Extra Help
Visit the Medicare website at www.medicare.gov/prescription/home.asp to learn about Social Security and public welfare programs that can assist you with health insurance and prescription discounts. Anyone who qualifies for Medicare is eligible for prescription drug assistance. Others who are not on Medicare may still qualify for the government's Extra Help program if they have limited income and resources. To qualify for the prescription payment assistance Extra Help program, you must have an annual income of less than $16,245 as an individual or $21,855 as a married couple living together. Even those with slightly higher incomes may qualify if they have to support other family members or live with additional complications.
RX Assist
Check out the RX Assist website at www.rxassist.org for an extensive database of prescription drug assistance programs. Sponsored by the nonprofit organization Volunteers in Health Care, RX Assist is a valuable resource that allows you to search for prescription help by drug company, brand name, generic name or drug class. Numerous assistance programs are listed in the database and may be beneficial in your particular case. The site also includes program application forms for download and additional tips for obtaining free or discount medication.
NeedyMeds
Another resource is Needymeds.com, a website that lists drug company programs offering free or low-cost prescription drugs. Founded in 1997, NeedyMeds has a comprehensive database of programs sponsored by medical manufacturers. Low-income individuals can browse for assistance programs using a variety of criteria to help narrow their search.
Together RX Access
Research assistance programs that you may be eligible for with Together RX Access, a joint website sponsored by a few major drug companies. Apply for a Together RX Access card at togetherrxaccess.com to get discounts on more than 300 medications produced by the sponsoring pharmaceutical companies. Use your access card at your local pharmacy to get the drugs you need. Some restrictions apply. Keep in mind that eligible applicants cannot receive Medicare, Medicaid or any other prescription assistance. Income limits also apply, as with most social welfare programs. Prices differ depending on the company that manufactures the medicine you need, but the savings from discounts with Together RX Access still average anywhere from 25 to 45 percent of standard cost.
Community Health Centers
Find out if your local community health center offers a prescription assistance program. Many community health centers have special arrangements with pharmaceutical companies or government grants that allow them to offer reduced-price drugs to low-income patients. Get in touch with the Health Resources and Services Administration at 888-ASK-HRSA (888-275-4772) to locate the public health center nearest you.
Tags: assistance programs, Together Access, Extra Help, prescription drug, drug assistance
