What are Prescription Drug Patient Assistance Programs?
Many pharmaceutical companies offer discounts or free medications to low-income patients. This process may be changing with the change in Medicare prescription drug coverage*.
Eligibility for discounts usually depends on a patient’s income. The program may also require information from your doctor or hospital, regarding the illness or condition.
There are a number of websites that direct patients or caregivers to information. The Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) represents the leading pharmaceutical companies. Their site at Phrma.org provides a list of both public and private programs that offer discounts on medicines.
*You may be able to get extra help to pay for your prescription drug premiums and costs. To see if you qualify for getting extra help, call:
- 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). TTY/TDD users should call 1-877-486-2048, 24 hours a day/7 days a week;
- The Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., Monday through Friday. TTY/TDD users should call, 1-800-325-0778; or
Your State Medicaid Office
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