How to Get Free or Low-cost Ensure for the Sick, Seniors, and the Disabled.
If you are a senior on a fixed income or a person with a disability or facing a serious illness, high-protein nutritional supplements like Ensure can be a costly purchase. Fortunately, a wide network of charities, government benefits, and manufacturer programs (listed below) may provide free Ensure to those in need. These drinks are vital for older adults, individuals recovering from surgery, or anyone struggling with malnutrition. If you need help staying healthy but cannot afford the cost of these supplements, there are several ways to get them for free or at a deep discount.
The options for assistance are extensive and range from short-term emergency help to long-term support. Abbott Laboratories, the manufacturer of Ensure, provides direct assistance for those in financial hardship. Additionally, local food banks, senior centers, and medical clinics often distribute free samples or monthly boxes of nutritional drinks. For long-term needs, government programs like Medicare and SNAP can often be used to cover the costs. Below are the specific ways to find free Ensure, including that may be in your area.
Free Ensure from Charities or Non-Profits
Non-profits and religious organizations are often the first options for a senior on a fixed income or someone that has limited resources.
- Healthcare Providers and Community Health Care Clinics: Free samples of Ensure are sometimes given to seniors, people on Medicare, the uninsured, or those recovering from a medical condition. While some programs are income based, it may be possible to get help from community health clinics, doctors, surgery centers, and dietitians. If a senior citizen is under a doctor's care and Ensure is recommended, they should ask their healthcare provider for a "starter kit" or samples and the main government link to HRSA health care is at https://www.hrsa.gov.
- Food Banks and Pantries: These centers may offer healthy products, including Ensure, vitamins, and more - though resources vary widely. Some churches and soup kitchens also give away nutritional supplements. Many are open daily or offer emergency help. Find a list of local food banks and pantries, or look into options such as Feeding America (website at https://www.feedingamerica.org/find-your-local-food-bank) which may also be a resource.
- Meals on Wheels: This charity is a vital option for homebound seniors and those unable to drive, including from a illness. Meals on Wheels may provide free nutritional drinks like Ensure as part of their meal delivery service. In rural areas, free Ensure boxes may even be sent in the mail. Learn more about Meals on Wheels.
- Senior Centers: These are a great resource for people over the age of 65. They often provide information on where to get free Ensure or other supplements, such as vitamins or Boost. They also tend to offer referrals to financial help and USDA-approved meals or partner with Agency on Aging offices or other non-profits - look for details on a senior center near you.
Government assistance programs that may help pay for Ensure
Government assistance programs, both at the state or federal level, may pay for Ensure for the disabled or elderly on Social Security. Note must of these tend to have stricter income and asset requirements and may take time to apply too - get approved.
- SNAP and CSFP: Public aid like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) may provide the means to purchase nutritional supplements. While again terms and conditions may vary, they are an option and look here for more details on SNAP benefits for low income people.
- Medicare and Medicaid: While the benefits can change yearly based on federal funding / the budgeting process, many Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans utilize Special Supplemental Benefits for the Chronically Ill (SSBCI) (website: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/ssbci-medicare). If you have a qualifying condition like diabetes or heart failure, your plan may provide a monthly credit on a "Flex Card" to buy Ensure at retail pharmacies.
- Medical Necessity: Medicaid coverage varies by state but generally requires a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) from a doctor. If Ensure is your primary source of calories (e.g., via a feeding tube), coverage is much more likely. Learn more about Medicaid at https://www.medicaid.gov/.
Patient Assistance and Pharmacy Programs
Some patient assistance programs or pharmacies may cover the cost of Ensure, or provide big discounts, if it is prescribed as part of a medical treatment.
- Pharmacy Discounts: Large chains like CVS, Walgreens, or Walmart often have store brands that are cheaper than Ensure. They also partner with charities to give out free coupons. Visit the pharmacy in person or check their website for information for sample Ensure products.
- Patient Assistance Foundations: Programs like NeedyMeds or the Partnership for Prescription Assistance provide information on programs that cover the cost of Ensure if prescribed as part of medical treatment. Many healthcare care providers / doctors are aware of these programs too and they tend to help even more moderate income seniors or sick people.
Abbott Manufacturer Programs
Abbott, the manufacturer of Ensure, has specific low-income programs. They offer free coupons, samples, and discounts on their website. Some of the main options to get low-cost or free Ensure products are below.
- Abbott Patient Assistance Foundation: This program provides free product to those with no insurance coverage and low income (typically at or below 250% of the Federal Poverty Level). You can find the application here: https://www.abbottnutrition.com/patient-assistance-program or call 1-800-222-6885.
- Ensure Together Program: Signing up for their rewards program provides coupons directly to your inbox. Visit the official website: https://ensure.com/coupons.
- Manufacturer Coupons: You can find free vouchers and rebates in Sunday paper inserts or via printing apps. Find how to get free manufacturer coupons by mail. Learn more about how to get free manufacturer coupons by mail on our site.
Getting Free or Discounted Ensure Online
Seniors can sometimes find free giveaways of Ensure or nutritional drinks on community-based sites. Note: Be wary of scams using these tools though. As while community based sites may be a great option, there are potential downsides. Various smartphone apps may also provide rebates or occasional free-item offers for nutritional shakes.
- Freecycle and Craigslist: These sites often have listings for unopened cases of Ensure that families no longer need. Freecycle is a legitimate non-profit network for giving away items for free. Find a local group or Freecycle group near you.
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