Exploring options for inexpensive or free prescriptions

There are a number of options for people who cannot afford medications. Please look into all of them before stopping a medication that is working or refusing a medication that has been prescribed for you. While you are looking into these options, be upfront with your doctor about your financial situation. Your doctor may know of additional options (something exclusive to where you live).

Contact the pharmaceutical company that makes your medication Many pharmaceutical programs have indigent drug programs, assistance programs to help qualifying individuals afford medication. The best way to find out about such programs is to contact the individual companies. The following resources can help you find drug assistance programs:

HelpingPatients.org:from PhMRA
(Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America),
A database of programs and contacts.

Prescription Drug and Other Assistance Programs:
from Medicare, this page allows you to search for programs (both private and government) based on where you live.

The Medicine Program:
An organization which helps patients, with help from the physician, enroll in patient assistance programs.

Needy Meds:
Another organization which helps patients learn about patient assistance programs.

See if you state has a pharmaceutical program Eleven US states have pharmaceutical assistance programs for qualifying residents. Qualifications vary, and some programs are for seniors only. HerSource.com maintains a list of these programs with contact information. You’ll need to contact the program yourself to see if you might qualify. If your state isn’t listed, please contact your county mental health department (check you telephone book) to see if there are other programs in your particular state or county.

Consider applying for Medicaid
Medicaid is a “jointly-funded, Federal-State health insurance program for certain low-income and needy people.” The application process, eligibility requirements, and insurance coverage vary from state to state. In some states, people who qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) automatically qualify for Medicaid. It is best to contact the Medicaid agency in your state for an application and any questions you may have, particularly about whether or not Medicaid covers prescriptions in your state. Your county mental health agency (check you telephone book) may be able to help you with the process.
Helpful Medicaid resources:
Medicaid Information from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
Find your state Medicaid contact from the CMS

Look into generics
You cannot get generic versions of every medication, particularly the newer antidepressants. However, don’t hesitate to ask your doctor if there is a generic version of your current medication. Helpful resources about generic medications:
Are Generic Drugs Safe?
from About Irritable Bowel/Crohn’s Disease Guide Amber J. Tresca
Generic Drugs: Saving Money at the Pharmacy
from the Federal Trade Commission
Office of Generic Drugs
from the US Food & Drug Administration’s Center
for Drug Evaluation and Research

Look into pill splitting
You may be able to save money by purchasing your medication in a double dose and splitting the pills. For more information on how to do this, please see About Depression Guide Nancy Schimelpfening’s How to Save Up to 50% on Your Medication Costs by Pill Splitting.