Free or Reduced Prescription Drug Programs

Even with the $4 prescriptions, some folks are still having problems affording their medication. If you-or someone you know-needs medication and can not afford it, check these options before giving up. There are a few that have no income guidelines.

Several of the prescription drug manufacturer's offer free or reduced medication for patients who cannot afford them. Most companies allow you to apply and print the form to give to your doctor to complete and sign. Each company has their own eligibility guidelines and procedures. The companies listed below are in alphabetical order by company name. Click the company name to visit their website. Some of these are for U.S. residents only, so be sure to read the information on each website for the specific guidelines.

AARP offers "Extra help in 2010". You may already know that Medicare offers prescription-drug coverage through its provision called "Part D." But did you know that Medicare also offers Extra Help paying for your prescription drug costs if you have limited income and limited resources? Income less than $16,245 for single and $21,855 for a couple, may be eligible.

Abbot Laboratories offers free medicine to patients who have no insurance coverage and are having financial difficulties. Visit their website for more information or call 1-800-222-6885 for more information. They have several programs including blood glucose testing supplies and medication for Rheumatoid Arthritis to low-income patients in the United States.

Access Project is a non-profit information clearinghouse. They are supported by grants, government and other donors. They offer information about medications available for HIV and AIDS sponsored patient assistance programs.

AstraZeneca provides free medication to low income patients who do not qualify for government programs, do not have other prescription drug coverage and can not afford to pay for their medicine. For individuals making $30,000 or less or a family of four making $60,000 or less, you may qualify for their services.

Lilly Medicare Answers is a patient assistance program that provides eligible Medicare recipients access to affordable medication outside of their Medicare Part D plan. If eligible, this program provides assistance for Forteo, Zyperexa and Humatrope. For more information and their guidelines, visit their website or call 1-877-795-4559.

Merck Patient Assistance Program is for those who do not have prescription drug coverage and cannot afford their medication. If eligible, you may receive your medication free.

Merck Prescription Discount Program is for those who -- regardless of age or income -- have no prescription coverage.

Merck Vaccine Patient Assistance is for those who are 19 years of age or older with no health insurance and cannot afford vaccines.

Needymeds has a lot of information on their website, including a search for free/low cost/sliding scale clinics for your area. The site was started in 1997 by a social worker who had collected information about drug companies to help her low-income patients find their medicine at affordable prices.

Novatis Patient Assistance NOW has a two step questionnaire to find a program that can offer patients discounted and sometimes free medicine.

Partnership for Prescription Assistance Pre-qualifying is done on the website with basic information needed to fill out the online form. You will then see a list of programs that you qualify for and you select that program.

RxAssist does not actually operate any medication program. They have a database to search for medications, pharmaceutical companies, RxOutreach and how to apply.

RxHope helps assist low income patients in getting medication through programs.

Rx Outreach is available to individuals earning $32,490 or less and depending on family size, up to $66,150 for a family of 4. You can also use Rx Outreach with other patient assistance programs.

Schering-Plough Cares assists low-income patients who do not have insurance to cover prescriptions. 1-800-656-9485

Schering-Plough's Commitment to Care is a reimbursement program they offer patients - including Medicare beneficiaries - easy access to a reimbursement assistance specialist, eliminating extensive paperwork for those who meet their eligibility requirements.

TogetherRx is a prescription card that offers 25-40% off more than 300 prescription medications.

Tricare is for retired service members of the uniformed services and their family members. There are several health care options listed on their website. 1-877-363-6337

Walgreens AARP is not an insurance program. It was created to offer exclusive discounts on medications at participating retail network pharmacies and through Walgreens Mail Service.