What Programs Help Pay for Medications?
The high cost of some prescription medications poses quite a challenge for many people these days. While most insurance plans cover prescription drugs, subscribers may have to pay high co-pays and not all drugs are covered on all plans. Of greater concern, though, is the large number of people with no health insurance. The Kaiser Family Foundation reports that 90 percent of the elderly rely on regular prescription medications and more than half of younger people also need regular medications. Without insurance, these people often struggle to pay for the medication they need.
Other People Are Reading
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Medicaid
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Medicaid is a state-administered program jointly funded by state and federal funds. It covers a variety of health care services, including prescription medications, for some people with low incomes. In many states, other eligibility criteria apply; for instance, in some states only children, pregnant women, elderly people and disabled people can get Medicaid. To find out if you might qualify for Medicaid or to apply, contact the agency that administers Medicaid in your state.
Children's Health Insurance Program
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The Children's Health Insurance Program, available in all 50 states, provides health insurance for some children whose families earn too much money to qualify for Medicaid but not enough money to pay for health care on their own. It covers a wide range of health care services, including prescription medications. Call 877-KIDS-NOW (877-543-7669) to apply.
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Medicare
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Medicare Part D helps pay for medication for many elderly people and some people with disabilities. Recipients must pay monthly premiums for Medicare Part D, but those with low incomes can get assistance paying their premiums from the state in which they live. Recipients must also pay co-pays for most medications and some drugs are not covered on some Medicare Part D plans. If you do not already receive Medicare and need to find out if you qualify, contact the Social Security Administration at 800-772-1213.
Patient Assistance Programs
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Many pharmaceutical companies offer patient assistance programs that provide free medications to some patients that do not have health insurance or have low incomes. For instance, Pfizer offers such medications as Celebrex, Effexor and Lipitor through a patient assistance program. Sanofi-Aventis offers Lantus, a form of insulin used by many diabetic patients, through a patient assistance program. You'll need to have your doctor fill out some paperwork verifying that you need the medication in question and you'll also need to provide information about your income to apply. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if the companies that make the medications you need offer patient assistance programs, or contact the companies directly to inquire.
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References
- Kaiser Family Foundation: Prescription Drug Costs
- Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services: Medicaid Overview
- Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services: Children's Health Insurance Program
- Social Security Administration: Medicare
- Pfizer: Patient Assistance Programs
- Sanofi-Aventis: Paying for Lantus
- Photo Credit medication image by palms from Fotolia.com
