If you are managing a chronic condition, you likely have experienced how hard it is to afford all the medications and equipment needed. This resource is to help you better access what you need, to take better care of your health.
Medication Access Sheet
Medications can be extremely expensive and can make it difficult for many people to purchase what they need.
This resource contains many options that can help make medications more affordable.
Here are some money-saving ideas:
- Ask your doctor or pharmacist if a generic version is available. Generic drugs are typically less expensive than brand-name drugs. Also, ask about a different medication that costs less.
- Consider getting your prescriptions through a mail-order pharmacy. This can help decrease the cost per month (but does require more money upfront).
- Call the member service number on your insurance card for more information about more cost-effective medications on your current insurance plan (aka preferred medications).
- Look into assistance programs that can help you better afford your medications. Below is more information on assistance programs and how to find one that best helps you.
Keep in mind, many programs have specific criteria that must be satisfied for an individual to be considered eligible while others offer discounts to everyone. Take a look at all options to see what the best choice for you is.
Click here for Medication Access information.
Prescription Assistance Programs
Prescription Assistance Programs,* or PAPs, were created to help patients who do not have health insurance or prescription drug coverage obtain the medications that they need.
These programs provide free or low-cost prescription drugs (some programs have eligibility requirements).
Some PAPs also provide valuable resources, helping people comply with recommended drug regimens.
*PAPs are also called patient assistance programs, pharmaceutical assistance programs or medication assistance programs.
Click here for Prescription Assistance Programs.
Pharmaceutical Company Information & Search Databases
Most pharmaceutical companies offer financial assistance programs to people who have trouble affording their medications and supplies.
We compiled a list of pharmaceutical company search databases to help you locate services that may be able to help you.
We hope that this information is responsive to your needs and will be of assistance to you.
Click here for this information.
Equipment and Supplies Assistance Programs
It’s no secret that the price of medical supplies can add up just like your prescription medications. The cost of equipment can vary depending on the equipment’s manufacturer.
Here is information to help you understand the various cost-efficient methods of getting discounted or free diabetic supplies.
Click here for more on equipment and supplies assistance programs.