Free Prescription Drugs for Low Income Households

[katytibbs]

I don't know if everyone is aware but each pharmaceutical company has a program to give their drugs away to people who qualify as low income. This site is a great way to search for your drug and see what you would need to do to qualify.


RxAssist - Patient Assistance Programs

[katytibbs]

I just learned there is also a bus tour, helping people.

a quote from one pharmacompany website (took out identifying information):

"Help is Here Express" bus visited two New Jersey cities on Wednesday to help those in need find programs that provide prescription medicines for free or nearly free. Staff aboard the bus are trained specialists able to quickly help patients access more than 475 patient assistance programs, including more than 180 programs offered by pharmaceutical companies. The bus tour is part of the Partnership for Prescription Assistance (PPA), a national effort sponsored by American pharmaceutical research companies. Since the PPA bus tour was launched in April 2005, the program has helped more than 4.2 million patients. The bus, which spent the morning in Elizabeth and the afternoon in Newark, has visited all 50 states and more than 1,500 cities to raise awareness about patient assistance programs. Patients in need can visit PPA's Web site (www.pparx.org) or call the toll-free number (1-888-4ppa-now), where trained operators field calls in more than 150 languages.

[Goldie]

oh wow, cool thread!

[freebiequeen]

Here's another one too

https://www.pparx.org/Intro.php

[Merczilla]

Some of these programs try to charge you a fee, so read carefully. I go straight to whatever company made whatever it is I'm taking and can usually find a program. Sometimes it takes some digging to find it. lol Also most of them will want a copy of your tax return or paystubs or both.

I get my Levoxyl straight from King Phamaceuticals. My doc has to write a new script every three months and mail it in. Then they send it to my doc and I have to go get it from her. After 12 months, then you have to submit a new application.

[cuzisaidso]

Very good info!

[freebiequeen]

Originally Posted by Merczilla Some of these programs try to charge you a fee, so read carefully. I go straight to whatever company made whatever it is I'm taking and can usually find a program. Sometimes it takes some digging to find it. lol Also most of them will want a copy of your tax return or paystubs or both. I get my Levoxyl straight from King Phamaceuticals. My doc has to write a new script every three months and mail it in. Then they send it to my doc and I have to go get it from her. After 12 months, then you have to submit a new application.

That's exactly what I do for my mother for her insulin. It's work, but I have a fax so I can just fax it to them. All it is a signature from the doc & prescription, & a copy of the tax return (just the first 2 pages) That's all they need. Here's a link for the patience assistance form for diabetics:

Novo Nordisk US - Patient Assistance

If this helped, please rep me :) Thanks!

[jwil1981]

My husband did the RxAssist for a while when he didn't have health insurance. It helped ALOT. Actually he got some medications cheaper than he does on the insurance we have through my job now.

[katytibbs]

Please post if you tried this and it worked (or didn't). I want to know how well these programs work.

[bugbaggers]

I worked in the pharmaceutical industry for about 10 years and know the these programs very well. One of the problems is that Drs. do not tell patients about the programs sometimes and others simply do not want to take the time for paperwork so I suggest printing the paperwork from the pharmaceutical website that makes your drug or call the company and have them send you the paperwork. Fill it out and find all the documents needed for proof of income then take to your doctor. Also, keep copies new paperwork must be filed every three (3) months. If your doctor will not help suggest changing physicians this is not acceptible in my humble opinion. Also, if you do not find your drug on the list the physician can change your prescription to insure you can receive needed assistance. You must have paperwork for each drug often made by different companies. Please do not pay anyone for this service it is simple just takes a little time and the physician's staff should be willing to help just ask.

There are also discount programs such as Together RX. Hope this helps.