You've lost your prescription insurance benefits because of unemployment; you don't have the extra money you once did for the co-pay; you have an expensive medication that isn't covered. Unfortunately, this is the current situation for many Americans. Carriann Richey, director of outreach and assistant professor of pharmacy practice for Butler University's College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, says while affording medications in today's economy may be more difficult than ever before, there are options out there that can help.
1) Talk to your pharmacist. Pharmacists can help a patient navigate when a generic (lower-cost equivalent) is available or if an alternative, less expensive drug can be used. Many pharmacies also have low-cost options such as $4 generics or free antibiotics and prenatal vitamins. If your pharmacy doesn't have this program, inquire about it. Some will match other pharmacies' prices even if they don't have a program in place.
2) Make an appointment at a reduced-cost or free clinic. Not only can this give a patient access to a physician and many times a pharmacist, these health providers are trained to consider lower-cost alternatives and may be able to provide prescriptions at no cost or a reduced cost. Some clinics focus solely on patients who have no insurance coverage, while others will work with patients who have some benefits.
3) Look for manufacturer and government options. Manufacturers sometimes offer discount cards or programs for brand-name medications free or at a reduced cost. Several internet tools are available that can help patients access this information, such as www.benefitscheckup.org. It is best for a patient to discuss his or her interest in these programs with a physician, as they are often required to sign the paperwork and complete verification requirements.
Government or municipal entities such as counties will sometimes offer discount programs as well. One that is currently available in Indiana is the Indiana Drug Card. The amount of savings with discount cards may vary by pharmacy and medication. Some programs are only open to individuals with no private or government insurance.
Finally, most states offer a program that provides one-on-one counseling and assistance to seniors and their families, often referred to as a senior health insurance or senior assistance program. These entities help answer questions about Medicare, Medicare Supplement Insurance, Medicare Advantage, long-term care insurance, prescription coverage and low-income assistance.