Prescription drug assistance programs in Tennessee
Affording medications can be a struggle for many Tennesseans, especially those with low incomes, no health insurance, or chronic conditions. The state offers a patchwork of programs that help people get the medications they need. Some state-run, some federal, and others administered by nonprofit or local groups, all of which may reduce or eliminate prescription costs for those who qualify. Learn more on where and how to get free or affordable prescription drugs in TN below.
Cover Rx
CoverRx is a Pharmacy Assistance Program. CoverRx is one of Tennessee’s flagship drug assistance programs. It is designed for individuals without pharmacy coverage (i.e. those who do not have insurance that pays for medications) and who meet certain income and eligibility criteria.
The program provides reduced-cost access to more than 200 generic medications, insulin and diabetic supplies, and select mental health drugs. In particular, Tennessee residents can receive the most benefit from the program by using generic drugs, which are reimbursed for by the state on a sliding scale. It is not health insurance, it covers only prescriptions, not doctor visits or hospitalization.
Eligibility today requires that the applicant be a Tennessee resident, generally ages 18–64, a U.S. citizen or qualified non-citizen, without other pharmacy coverage (no private plan, no TennCare/Medicaid, and no Medicare), and with household income at or below 138% of the federal poverty level.
There are no premiums. Instead, participants pay modest copays which vary depending on income and medication type. You can apply online (via the CoverRx site (website: https://www.tn.gov/tenncare/coverrx.html:) or by submitting a paper application If not qualified, then direct financial assistance may be given directly by pharmaceutical companies, and find drug company patient assistance programs.
Government prescription programs including TennCare & Medicaid / CHIP (Including TennCare for Kids)
The primary option available in TennCare. This is the state’s version of Medicaid. It provides medical bill assistance, including for prescription drugs, to very low income families and those living in poverty. For many low-income Tennesseans, prescription drug coverage comes via TennCare (the state’s Medicaid program) or CHIP (Children’s Health Insurance Program).
- TennCare covers both generic and brand-name medications, depending on the plan’s formulary and medical necessity. TennCare is available to people who meet income and categorical eligibility requirements, for example, pregnant women, children, parents/caretakers, seniors or persons with disabilities. To apply or find out more, call the TennCare helpline at 1-800-342-3145 or visit the TennCare section of the TN.gov website.
There are other charitable as well as non-profit programs too. Many of these are run at the local county level. They assist everyone from the disabled to working poor, uninsured, and others. Both free vouchers as well as financial aid or grants to pay for the drugs may be given out to those that qualify. These local voucher programs to supplement the state-level offering (for example, some county governments or health departments). Always check with your local health department or county government to see what’s available in your area. Find additional assistance programs in Tennessee.
Children and teens under age 19, and eligible pregnant women, may receive comprehensive coverage through Tennessee’s CHIP program, CoverKids. Prescription drugs are covered with low copays, and there is a current CoverKids formulary administered by Optum Rx. Apply through TennCare Connect at https://tenncareconnect.tn.gov/ or by phone at 1-855-259-0701.
SHIP / Tennessee State Health Insurance Assistance Program provides free, unbiased counseling to Medicare beneficiaries and their families. It can also help residents find a local community health center in TN. In Tennessee, SHIP can assist with selecting or changing Medicare Part D plans (which pay for medications). SHIP also helps with applying for Extra Help, and understanding prescription costs under Medicare. You can reach SHIP at 1-877-801-0044 or via the Tennessee Commission on Aging & Disability.
People in Tennesse living with HIV can often receive their medications at low or no cost through the Tennessee Department of Health’s Ryan White Part B and the AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP). These programs also help with insurance premiums and copays when appropriate. State information is posted at https://www.tn.gov/health/health-program-areas/std/std/ryan-white-part-b-program.html.
Tennessee Drug Card / State Discount Card Program
Beyond formal assistance, Tennessee offers a statewide prescription discount card available to all residents, regardless of income or insurance status. You can download or request the card via the Tennessee Drug Card website. Once you have the card, present it at your pharmacy to receive the discounted pricing.
- The card offers savings averaging 30%, and in some cases up to 80% for brand-name and generic drugs.
- There is no application or qualification process. The card is pre-activated and ready for use.
- It is accepted at many pharmacies across Tennessee (and nationwide) including major chains.
- It is not insurance; it purely offers a discount at participating pharmacies.
The card is free to receive and use, and easy to sign up for. No extensive forms need to be complete in order to sign up. To get more details on the discount card or to apply, the website is https://tennesseedrugcard.com/ or inquire at your local pharmacy.
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