Help with Prescription Costs is Easy; Apply Online for Your Card

Need help paying for prescription medications? Programs are available from the United Way, the government, the pharmaceutical companies, and other non-profits. So, if you don't qualify for a state assistance program, Keep Reading!

While the Obama-Care reform bill addressed the infamous donut hole in Medicare D, some seniors may still have trouble affording the the medications prescribed by their doctors. First, take ALL your medications to your primary physician to see if there is not any duplication. Eliminating them can take a big chunk out of your bills.

Seniors as well as the rest of us have several options when it comes to getting with our meds. These discount programs are not insurance but can take a large chunk off the top before your insurance (if any) applies. All are free except the Vital Savings card, but it also gives discounts on your dental bills as well as your prescription bills.

About 800,000 Americans, aged 45 to 64, lost their health insurance last year, according to national poverty statistics. Presumably many of them take medications for chronic conditions, and REALLY need to take them every day. The following list is meant for them and for any others who spend far too much of their take-home pay on prescriptions.

1. 1. If you are on MEDICARE PART D : y ou could pay zero for prescriptions IF: Your annual income is a m aximum of $16,335 for Singles; or a maximum of $22,065 for Marrieds; AND your resources are worth a maximum of $12,640 (single) or $25,260 (married). Note that home, cars, personal possessions do NOT count toward total value of resources. TO APPLY: call 1-800-772-1213 OR go online to ssa.gov/pubs/10525.html
2. One that I have used is Vital Savings by Aetna , good on Rx and Dental. It took a big chunk off some dental work that I had done. The drawback if any is that it will cost 9.99/month. At VitalSavings.com or call Aetna toll-free at 1-877-698-4825.
   
3. One with top discounting of Rx prices is http://pharmacycard.org/ -- you go to the website and key in your name and you can print the card right away . It will take your address and all so that they can keep track of rebates on whatever meds you take. Based in Dallas, TX.
4. Another free one is Together Rx Access -- this is paid for by a long list of drug companies. Income guidelines vary with state. Info at www.togetherrxaccess.com or c all their Call Center: 1-800-444-4106.
5. A free program paid for by United Way is called FamilyWize .org. You can pick up a slip at a local United Way agency, such as a Community Action office near you - or print out a card from the website. Find an agency at http://www.familywize.com/agencies.aspx
6. Then there is ppaRx.org--- click on Prescription Assistance Programs. Helps you sort thru over 140 programs for discounted or free meds. Feed in info to their wizard on income, details of meds (NDC codes/Dr. name, etc.) and see what turns up.

Some states may have their own programs. Try your local Community Action office, Senior Center, or RSVP (Retired & Senior Volunteer Program) office.

Seniors and people of any age should have no trouble finding good discounts on the medications they need if they just try some of the options on this list. Good luck to all who are fending off poverty while trying to stay well.