How to Find Free or Low-Cost Prescription Medication

The cost of prescription medication can be difficult to afford, even for those who have insurance. The situation can be so dire that some people make the choice whether to buy food or their presciption medication. A number of organizations created in recent years can help patients purchase their presciption medication, or even receive it free.

Instructions

Difficulty: Challenging

1. Contact the drug maker that produces your brand of prescription medicine, and look for links to a patient assistance program (PPA).
2. Be aware that there are programs for people with specific conditions--the Abbott Diabetes Patient Assistance program, for example. Organizations such as National Alliance on Mental Illness has links to companies that offer free or low-cost medication to patients based on income and insurance status.
3. Check out patient advocacy foundations that can help those with insurance. The Patient Advocate Foundation's Copay Assistance program helps people with certain medical conditions who also have insurance. The Patient Access Network Foundation helps patients who can't afford their insurance copays or out of pocket expenses.
4. Ask your doctor for help. Some doctors dislike the paperwork involved, and therefore don't tell patients about what's out there. Once you find a program that may help, collect as much information as possible to make it easier for the office staff.
5. Remember state programs. Some state offer discount programs to make prescription medication more affordable. Needymeds provides a listing of state sponsored programs. You can check your state's official website for medical assistance programs

Tips & Warnings

• Check the website of the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy to be sure the website you are buying from is a licensed U.S pharmacy in good standing.
• Be careful when buying prescription drugs online. The Federal Drug Administration (FDA) currently lists 24 pharmacy websites that it has found to be selling counterfeit medications.
• Remember that it is illegal to buy or import prescription drugs from foreign websites. Use only websites that have a U.S. address and phone number as a contact.
• Avoid websites that promote drugs that provide "new" cures with "incredible" results. These can be ineffective at the least, and dangerous at most.
• Do not begin any medication regimen without informing your doctor. Listen to his advice on the efficacy of particular drugs.