Prescription Drugs: Options to address lack of coverage
Prescription Drug CoverageMany families struggle to access the prescription medications that they need at affordable prices. In addition to prescription assistance programs, it is wise to check to see if your family may qualify for any public or private health coverage plans that would provide both medical coverage and prescription medications. Other INF2F fact sheets address a variety of health care coverage options, including prescription coverage, that may work for members of your family.
Cost Plus DrugsCost Plus Drugs is an online pharmacy that offers hundreds of prescription drugs at significantly reduced prices. https://costplusdrugs.com/
GoodRxGoodRx offers a handy mobile app that allows you to search for discounts and coupons on popular medications and the lowest price locally. Their website, https://www.goodrx.com/, also offers a savings card that can be used at most pharmacies for up to 80% off prescription medications.
NeedyMedsA national non-profit that connects people to programs that will help them afford their medications and other healthcare costs. Their website includes a searchable tool to help families identify programs that they might be eligible for. Additionally, NeedyMeds has a directory of national and state resource organizations that can assist families in completing the individual applications for assistance programs if needed. https://www.needymeds.org/ (English and Spanish available).
SingleCareSingleCare partners with nearly all pharmacies nationwide to negotiate prescription discounts, so you receive a lower price. Their pharmacy discount card is for everyone nationwide, whether or not you have health insurance coverage. The SingleCare website, https://www.singlecare.com/ offers a Drug Price Lookup Tool so that you can see how much your prescription will cost at participating pharmacies near you.
Communication with Health Care ProvidersFamilies are urged to share their concerns about the cost of a prescription medication with the prescribing doctor. If the cost of a prescription medication is likely to prevent an individual from taking it or taking it as prescribed, the provider needs to know. It may be possible for the doctor to prescribe a less expensive option, or to provide you with samples of a medication to meet your needs. If changes in your family’s budget impact your ability to continue to refill medication, contact the prescribing doctor immediately. It is important that your medical providers know which medications you are taking.
Patient Advocate Foundation (PAF) Co-pay ReliefPAF’s Co-Pay Relief (CPR) program provides direct financial assistance to qualified patients with co-payments, co-insurance or cost-sharing associated with prescription drugs through funds dedicated to specific disease states. In some instances, assistance with insurance premiums and/or ancillary services associated with the disease also may be available. Visit https://copays.org/.
Reduced Price MedicationsSeveral large retailers have prescription savings plans in which certain medications are available at a reduced cost. Each program varies slightly and is subject to change at any given time.
You can learn more about each retailer’s plan using the following contact information:
*Not an exhaustive list
Prescription Drug Company Direct Discount ProgramsFamilies who are struggling to afford their prescribed medications can also directly contact the drug manufacturing company that produces their medication to ask for a discount. Many companies have Patient Assistance Programs or discounts available to help families afford their medications. This will vary by medication and by company.
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Programs and systems change often. It is important to ensure that you are using the most current information. Please check https://www.inf2f.org/fact-sheets.html for the most recent edition.
This fact sheet was supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of an award totaling $96,750 with 89% percent financed with nongovernmental sources. The contents are those of INF2F and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by HRSA, HHS, or the U.S. Government. For more information, please visit HRSA.gov.
This fact sheet was supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of an award totaling $96,750 with 89% percent financed with nongovernmental sources. The contents are those of INF2F and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by HRSA, HHS, or the U.S. Government. For more information, please visit HRSA.gov.
