Find help with paying for prescription medications including free meds.
Get details on prescription drug medication programs that are available to low income patients, the uninsured or patients on Medicaid. Many of the services allow people to get the Rx they need for free or at a fraction of the price they would normally pay. It is possible to get help from government benefit programs, pharmaceutical companies or charities that give free medications or that provide rebates, vouchers or other savings. Find how to get help paying for medications including details on free or low-cost prescriptions.
There are Rx assistance programs for long term needs as well as free emergency generic or brand name prescription drugs. Qualifications and income limits will vary widely. However the fact is there are a wide variety of programs available from the government, drug companies, non-profits, or other sources (online pharmacies, foundations, etc.) that try to help low income people get the Rx they need.
Government programs that provide free or low-cost medications
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A free discount prescription drug card, known as NaCO, is offered by many county governments. While savings vary by location, the medication needed and other factors, an Rx card will save consumers 40 to 80% on all of their medicines. It will generally cover generic medications, but there may be some other assistance given to pay for higher cost “brand name” meds.
- There is no cost to sign up for and obtain the card. The NACo partner service known as Live Healthy administrates the service. The free Rx card is accepted at most major retailers (such as Walmart and Target) and drug stores (including Walgreen, CVS, and others). More on the NaCo discount prescription card.
Financial help from the government to pay for medications can be found using the Medicare comparison tools. This online service was created by the government and it covers all states as well as private insurers. The focus is on helping people save money, or get financial help from the government, from Medicare Part A or B with more information here. https://www.medicare.gov/plan-compare/.
States offers prescription medication assistance to low-income families and people with little or no money. The resources are paid for using both local and federal government income tax dollars. Some national pharmaceutical companies may also donate to these services. Most states offer a wide variety of emergency programs that will provide free or heavily discounted prescription drugs to residents. Find details here state prescription assistance programs.
Senior citizens and the disabled can sign up for federal government medical care, RX benefits and insurance. This includes prescription drug benefit programs such as Medicare Part D and others. A local Area Agency on Aging office or social service office is usually a great place to contact for information and to apply. Locate senior medical and financial aid programs.
Government benefits help people living in poverty get medications. Families that lack affordable health insurance coverage, that are unemployed, or that have an insurance plan in which their prescription costs are not covered, can get help. Dozens of government benefit programs work with charities to either provide significant discounts or free medications. Find health care for the uninsured.
HIV-AIDS Drug Assistance Program - Hundreds of thousands of patients with HIV-AIDs, who are uninsured or underinsured, or who are low income will receive free prescription medications. This service is paid for by federal and state government funded programs. Find medications for HIV-AIDs patients.
The uninsured can access government benefits to pay for an Rx. Many free prescription drug benefit programs are available at the state and federal government level, including Medicaid, CHIP as well as Medicare Part D among others. They can help offset some of the costs of any needed medications. In some instances, the patient can be given free prescription drugs if their income is low enough or if they meet poverty guidelines. This can especially hold true for generics and locate health insurance for the uninsured in your state.
Discounted or free prescription meds from non-profits
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Together RX Access is a service that is available for people of all ages and incomes to use. They administer a free prescription drug savings program for families and individuals who lack prescription coverage from their health insurance provider. It allows families to save substantially on their medicines. More on Together Rx Access.
RX Outreach is a top rated, non-profit patient assistance program (PAP) that is offered by pharmacy benefit managers in partnership with drug companies. The participants include Express Scripts, CVS, United Health and others. Customers can order online and have medications delivered directly to their home as well. More on RX Outreach programs.
 Free prescription drugs for cancer patients are available from non-profits for qualified low-income families. For individuals that have been diagnosed with cancer, there are numerous grants as well as non-profit organizations that can provide support. They also help children and young adults who have been diagnosed with cancer.
- Charities as well as non-profits may offer free medications that address cancer or direct financial help to pay for meds or vouchers to offset the costs of treatment. Some may even cover other basic needs or help with paying bills while the patient is receiving treatment. Find help with cancer costs.
Partnership for Prescription Assistance is a free clearinghouse - referral service. The non-profit organizations helps patients locate financial help to pay for an Rx or get free medications, with a focus on patients who do not have prescription drug insurance coverage on their plans. They can get referred to a program that offers medicines they need for a health care condition, for free or low cost, even if the need is urgent. Continue with Partnership for Prescription Assistance resources.
NeedyMeds helps with medications as well as other healthcare needs. The national non-profit offers many free services to people of all backgrounds and income levels. NeedyMeds has information on prescription medication rebates, patient programs, clinical trials and so much more. They provide free information on hundreds of resources that are available and serve as a national database for anyone to access. Read more on on NeedyMeds.
The HealthWell Foundation assists households that lack health insurance or have limited coverage. Some of the assistance they provide includes financial help with copayments on medical bills or a Rx, prescription drug coinsurance, as well as funds to pay for deductibles. Most of the aid from the Foundation is offered for patients with chronic or serious medical conditions. Learn more on how the HealthWell Foundation helps the uninsured get medication.
The Patient Advocate Foundation, or (PAF) provides access to health care, free prescription medicines, and other medical assistance with a focus on low-income patients with a serious, chronic medical issue. However in some cases people who need help or may be experiencing a medical emergency may be eligible for the various PAF programs. Find how to apply for Patient Advocate Foundation programs.
Medications for chronic illnesses are offered. Two of the leading non-profits, Medco Foundation and Dispensary of Hope (DOH), are partnering with community clinics as well as a number of pharmaceutical companies. They are working together to provide free medications to the low income and uninsured, providing they have a chronic illness. Receive prescription drugs for heart conditions, diabetes, some types of cancer, and other recurring conditions. Find medications for a chronic illness, and read more details on their services.
- The Dispensary of Hope gives out surplus medications, for free, to patients that lack insurance or live in poverty. The charity works with numerous local government organizations, health care clinics, and local non-profit organizations. They collect surplus generic prescriptions as well as other items and disburse them to struggling families at no cost to the patient. The goal is to help uninsured residents get their medication free of charge or for a low of a price as possible. Click here Dispensary of Hope.
- Fibromyalgia is a medical condition that as many as ten million Americans have. It can lead to fatigue and can prevent patients from working, which can lead to financial struggles. While there is no cure, a number of prescription medications can be used to help relieve systems, with some pharmaceutical companies (in partnership with charities) given out the drugs for free. Read more on free prescription drugs for Fibromyalgia.
FamilyWize is a non-profit that negotiates with health insurers and drug companies to get the best price for people and then passes those lower costs on to patients. Patients will save anywhere from 30 to 40% on their medication from the FamilyWize prescription drug discount card. The card is free to use and to sign up for, and there are no applications to complete. There are also no income restrictions. Get more information on the United Way FamilyWize prescription discount card.
Many other non-profits, foundations, companies and government agencies offer prescription medication discount cards, rebates, online codes and more. In general, these options are simple to use, and can be downloaded from a website or even used on a smartphone. Just bring the card or code to a pharmacy (or use online) and save up to 80% on brand name or generic medications, regardless of income or health insurance status. Read more on free prescription drug discount cards.
Blink RX is a for-profit company that operates a digital online pharmacy. Patients who are seeking to save money on their prescription drugs can use the free application from this company. It is a comparison shopping type tool that also relies on bulk purchasing power of its users. Thousands of generic as well as brand name prescription medications can be obtained in an emergency for as much as 95% off the retail price, and the service is free to use. More on Blink Health phone application for prescriptions.
Non-profit assistance programs also focus on helping patients get free or low cost medications if they do not have health insurance. Since the cost can often be prohibitive for the uninsured, help is provided for this group of individuals. The resources available range from comparison web sites, discount codes to cheaper pricing offered by companies that negotiate terms and conditions directly with pharmaceutical companies. Find how to get prescription medications without health insurance.
Companies that provide deals on prescription drugs, including free or low priced medications
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Generic prescription medications can also provide consumers with substantial discounts. There are many places to shop for these, including at a local pharmacy, online, and in bulk shopping stores. Corporations and employers are also offer these services to help make pharmaceuticals more affordable to households. Many generics will also be given for free to low income or uninsured families, and pharmaceutical companies and other organizations will offer them as part of their financial assistance programs. Find sources of low cost generic medications.
Many web sites as well as smart phone apps help consumers get the best deals on the Rx they and will allow them to compare prices. The services will help patients find free or discounted prescription drug medications, learn what pharmacies in their area (or online) have the best deals, or locate affordable health insurance plans. Almost all of the sites are free to use. Click here for a list of websites that can help consumers that are in a search for medications.
Free RX coupons and rebates are widely available online. Patients can sign up for a service at no cost to them. There are online companies as well as traditional retailers that allow households to print a coupon for either a generic or brand name prescription drug or they can use an app on their phone or tablet. It is free to use sign up for and great to use (including in an emergency), and there is not even an application process so everything is done in confidence. They can be redeemed at thousands of pharmacies across the nation. Find free prescription medication coupons.
National retail stores as well as pharmacy chains also provide free or low cost prescription drug discount plans to shoppers. Most of these are for generic medications. Stores such as Wal-Mart, Costco, Kroger, Walgreens and other retail stores provide RX savings, discounts, and other forms of assistance. Learn more on retail store prescription drug discount plans.
Prescription medications from drug - pharmaceutical companies
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Patient Assistance Programs are offered by many pharmaceutical as well as generic drug companies, such as Merck, Eli Lilly, Abbot, Mylan, and Pfizer. They provide free or very affordable medications to families that can’t afford to buy their own medicine. The programs tend to be generous in establishing their income limits and will usually offer help to low as well as even more moderate income families.
- Pfizer, Merck, and Eli Lilly all offer free or very affordable prescription medications using a rebate or voucher process. Many other drug companies, such as Abbot, Johnson and Johnson and Glaxo have created their own patient financial assistance programs. These resources will provide free or very low cost prescription medications and life saving drugs to the unemployed and low to moderate income as well as people with little money. More on patient assistance programs.
Many drug companies also provide free insulin or assistance in paying the cost of it. It can help patients with Type 1 or 2 diabetes as the supplies are expensive. Sanofi, Eli Lilly, Novo Nordisk and others all offer this type of assistance. Read more on getting help paying for insulin.
Drug companies also offer emergency charity care and Rx to diabetics. What may be provided ranges from free medications to rebates, vouchers or coupons. The terms and conditions will vary, but in general the applicant needs to have a low income, limited health insurance, and not be on government aid. Find free diabetes medications.
Conclusion - Free or low-cost medications exist for low-income families
There are many ways for patients to get help, free RX and save a substantial amount of money on the prescription drugs that they need for their treatment. Anyone interested in saving money will need to take the time to complete the research to find the programs that can offer help. In addition, aways be mindful of FDA regulations around any medications, and find details on FDA drug safety policies.
Needhelppayingbills.com has worked with our prescription drug assistance program and health care partners on these resources. As there are a number of non-profits as well as government resources that help patients obtain low cost or free medications, including emergency prescription help, for their medical needs.
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