Help Finding Affordable Prescription Medications

Millions of Americans face real financial hardship when it comes to paying for prescription medications, whether they’re uninsured, underinsured, or simply struggling with the cost of an ongoing prescription.

What a lot of people don’t realize, including many physicians, is that many pharmaceutical manufacturers maintain patient assistance programs that offer medications free or at a significantly reduced cost to people who qualify based on financial need. Even companies without a formal, publicized program will often review individual requests on a case-by-case basis.

These programs typically cover common medications used to treat chronic conditions like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and respiratory illness, among others. The application process varies by manufacturer — sometimes a patient can apply directly, while other programs require a physician or social worker to submit the request on the patient’s behalf.

Navigating these programs can be confusing, since eligibility requirements, required documentation, and application processes differ from one manufacturer to the next. Anyone struggling with prescription costs is generally better off starting the conversation with their physician or a hospital social worker, who may already be familiar with the assistance programs relevant to a specific medication.

NEMA continues to highlight resources like these that can make a meaningful difference for patients struggling with the cost of ongoing medical care.