Discount Prescriptions
There are millions of uninsured and underinsured Americans who have trouble affording the prescriptions that their doctors prescribe them.
Lack of insurance is difficult enough when trying to seeing a doctor for your symptoms, but being unable to afford medicine can be a huge financial burden. There are several prescription discount resources that allow you receive medication at a discounted price, generic prescriptions, coupons, and retail discounts in certain pharmacies. You can also request samples from your doctor in order to find a medication that works for you.
Resources:
- RxAssist-
This database offers information on patient assistance programs to provide free medication for those who can’t afford the buy their medication. It also contains tools, resources, and news articles for health care patients. Patient assistance programs are set up by drug companies and offer low cost or free drugs to those who are uninsured and cannot afford medication. This assistance comes through coupons and other resources for patients to get access to their needs. Visit http://www.rxassist.org/ to learn about ways to use pharmaceutical company programs and other resources to reduce your medication costs through the database. Through the same website, you can find statewide drug assistance programs at http://www.rxassist.org/patients/res-state-programs. There is also a patient access directory at http://www.rxassist.org/pap-info
- Good Rx: This site allows you to find the lowest possible prescription through store comparison. It also offers discounts and coupons you can print. Visit http://www.goodrx.com/ to start finding discounts.
- Needy meds: This resource gives information on patient savings programs, services, and other leads on low cost prescriptions. Visit http://www.needymeds.org/ to learn more.
Discount Cards:
Drug discount cards offer plans that discount medicine, either by state government, non-profit or for-profit organizations, or membership associates. The cards are not insurance but they do help lower the cost of prescription medication. Some cards have an enrollment fee, annual fee, monthly fee, or are actually free.
- Easy Drug Card: http://easydrugcard.com/
- Discount Drug Network: http://www.discountdrugnetwork.com/
- RxAssist Discount Card: http://www.rxassist.org/faqs/drug-discount-cards
Federal and State Discount Programs:
- Medicaid drug rebate program: https://www.medicaid.gov/medicaid-chip-program-information/by-topics/benefits/prescription-drugs/medicaid-drug-rebate-program.html
- Medicare Drug Coverage (Part D): https://www.medicare.gov/part-d/
Retail Discounts:
- Walgreens Prescription Savings Club: http://www.walgreens.com/pharmacy/psc/psc_overview_page.jsp
- CVS Pharmacy: http://easydrugcard.com/cvs-pharmacy-discounts/
- Walmart: http://www.walmart.com/cp/1078664
- Costco: http://www.costco.com/pharmacy/member-prescription-program.html
- Rite Aid: https://www.riteaid.com/pharmacy/prescription-savings/rite-aid-prescription-savings-program
- Sam’s Club: http://www5.samsclub.com/health-and-wellness/pharmacy-and-health/Plus-Member-Pharmacy-Discount.aspx
Doctor Samples:
Pharmaceutical companies give samples to doctors so that they may distribute them to patients who are considering what medication to start taking. Often, doctors will give samples that last long enough to tell what medication works for you. However, beware of doctors prescribing costly medication either from the samples or prescriptions similar to them.
