Ask MyCaseManager Monday-Prescription drug HELP!
Dear MyCaseManager,
I recently lost my job and of course, with it, my health insurance. I can’t afford COBRA at even the reduced costs that are available now. I have a few medical conditions that I take medications regularly for. One of my medications is really expensive and if I don’t get some type of help, I will not be able to continue to take that medication. Is there anything out there to help me?
Actually, there are a few avenues for you to check out. The most expedient is for you to call your local Wal-Mart and find out how much the medication is there. Wal-Mart is selling many medications for much less than you will find at many other pharmacies, through their $4 Prescription Program http://tiny.cc/tm9Tt . If the medication is covered under this program the cost is $4 for a 30 day supply. If your doctor will write you a prescription for 90 days at a time, the cost is reduced to $10 for 90 days. This is less than many insurance copays. Even if your medication isn’t covered with Wal-Mart’s $4 program, you may find that you can still save money over some other pharmacies. They have bulk purchasing power, as they do with their other merchandise, which can often mean a savings for you.
Additionally, there are Patient Assistance Programs that are run through the individual drug companies. There is some paperwork involved, but if you qualify, the medications are free. You can find out more about these programs through NeedyMeds.org http://tiny.cc/o6tKL . Qualifications are income based.
For seniors, disabled people or low income women with children, you can also check to see if you qualify for your state’s medicaid program.
Thanks for your question!
3 Comments »
Leave a Reply
About
Lorrie Hinton, RN, CCM has almost 20 years experience in Healthcare and 14 years experience as a Case Manager working for a large hospital system in Northern California. Healthcare in the United States is often daunting, especially if you are sick, disabled and/or elderly. As a Case Manager she feels privileged to help people navigate that maze.
Knowledge is power!
One of my readers notified me of a pharmacy on the East Coast of the United States that also has a pharmacy program. The Pharmacy is called Harris Teeter. They offer 300 of their generic drugs for $9.99 for a 90 day supply. Here is a link. http://tiny.cc/UJrvr
Thanks, Cathie!!! Please, if any of you know of any other resources, keep ‘em coming!
All the information on pharmaceutical patient assistance programs plus hundreds of other programs is available for free at http://www.needymeds.org. Each workday over 12,000 people visit our site. We have all the applications on the website.
Our information is ease to access, updated regularly, and free. We gather no information about our users.
You don’t have to pay to apply to these programs. Most are easy to apply to and respond quickly.
We also offer a free drug discount card. No registration is required and anyone is eligible to use it. The average savings is 30-40% with occasional savings of up to 75% or even more.
Rich Sagall, MD
President
NeedyMeds, Inc.
P.O. Box 219
Gloucester, MA 01931
Thanks, Rich! I appreciate you stopping by. My patients have used your service successfully many times!