Are you having a problem paying for your medicine? Do you need help affording your healthcare costs?
In this article, we will tell you all about some useful programs and how you can find help.
RxCharity is here to help you with your medicine and healthcare costs. We are working towards compiling relevant information on programs and free clinics.
Patient Assistance Programs
Patient assistance programs (PAPs) can be one of the first places to look for help. Many drug companies give free to reduced cost prescription medication to people who cannot afford to pay for them. Each PAP has its own rules about eligibility and what they will pay for. Every year, companies give away billions of dollars worth of free to discounted medicines. We would love to help you take advantages of these opportunities.
Your doctor’s office may also be able to help find the right program for you.
Things to Note:
- You will need a prescription from your doctor
- You will need to fill out an application
- It may take up to 2-4 weeks for your medicine to arrive
Tips for Applying to a PAP
- Do not leave any blank spaces on your application. Indicate N/A if the question does not apply to you.
- Remember to sign the application where it asks for your signature.
- Please have your doctor complete his/her section.
- Many programs require a separate prescription.
- Always call the program if you have any questions.
- Pay attention to the renewal process. Most programs require you to re-apply every year.
- Look for programs for all you medications.
- Not every medication has an active PAP, and programs may change. Check back regularly, and print a new application each time you apply to make sure it is the most current application.
Drug Discount Card
There are drug discount card can be used by anyone regardless of income, insurance plan, age, citizenship, or residency. In particular, NeedyMeds has a free drug discount card to help you:
- Cover your prescriptions
- Over the-counter medications and supplies written as a prescription
- Pet prescriptions filled at the pharmacy
How It Works
- There is no registration.
- You do not have to apply for the card or provide your name or any other information.
- You can use the card immediately.
- The card is accepted at over 65,000 pharmacies across the country.
- Give the card to your pharmacist, along with your prescription. If your pharmacist has any questions, there is a number on the back of the card to call.
- Not every item will be discounted, and the discounts often changes.
- Try to use the card every time you purchase medicines at the pharmacy.
- You cannot use the NeedyMeds drug discount card with your insurance. You can use it instead of insurance. Patients who have Medicare, including Part D, Medicaid or any state or federal prescription insurance, will need to choose between the card or their government drug plan.
How to Get Your NeedyMeds drug discount card:
- Visit www.needymeds.org.
- Call their number at 1(800) 503-6897 and request a card.
- Send a self-addressed, stamped envelope to: NeedyMeds, PO Box 219, Gloucester, MA 01931.
Copay Cards
Your insurance may help with the cost of your medicine, but it may not cover the entire cost. What you have to pay is called a “copay.” It’s what you have to pay when you pick up your medicine.
Some copays are only for a few dollars while others may be for $100 or more.
Copay cards help lower the amount you have to pay when you pick up your medication. There are copay card only for certain medicines.
How Do They Work?
You can find copay cards on www.needymeds.org. You may also be able to get one from your doctor.
Each copay card program is different, but many require that you sign up with the program before you can use the card.
Your copay may be reduced or completely paid. However, if you have Medicare, Medicaid, or other federal or state healthcare insurance, you cannot use a co-pay card. Also, many mail-order medication programs do no accept copay cards.
Coupons, Rebates & More
Everyone love a coupon. You may not realize that there are coupons for many medicines.
These offers come in various forms – as a printable coupon, rebate, savings card, free trial offer, or free sample. Some can be printed right from the company’s website, while others require registering first, filling out a questionnaire, or even getting a sample from your doctor’s office.
More Sources of Help
At RxCharity, we raise funds to provide a prescription aid fund specifically for the Inland Empire. We are dedicated and committed to reduce medical costs, especially for the underserved communities. Please consider applying for our prescription aid fund application to potentially receive fundings for your prescription medications.