Prescription Drug Programs for the Uninsured

You've seen the advertisements on television about the Partnership for Prescription Assistance and the Wal-Mart $4 Prescription Drug Program, and they seem like wonderful ways to save on prescription drugs. But, how do they work, and who can qualify for these programs? Below is a description of each program to help you decide if either of these prescription programs is right for you.

Partnership for Prescription Assistance (PPA)

The Partnership for Prescription Assistance (PPA) began in April 2005 and has since helped over four-million uninsured or underinsured individuals obtain their prescription drugs for a low cost fee or free. Forty-eight different pharmaceutical companies participate, offering 180 programs to assist people in obtaining medication from a list of 2,500 brand-name and generic prescription drugs available. With this many companies offering their assistance the success of this program was inevitable.

Besides partnering with the pharmaceutical companies, PPA also partners with more than 1,300 national, state, and local organizations to help individuals find inexpensive or free health care in their area. The PPA also has state-based chapters in all 50 states plus Washington, D.C. and Puerto Rico.

The PPA offers assistance to individuals who have little or no prescription coverage and who earn $19,000 for individuals or $32,000 for a family of three. Depending upon the medication and the programs that you qualify for you may be able to obtain your medication for free or for a small fee. For those who have insurance you may be able to qualify for co-pay assistance through a PPA program.

There is no up-front charge for assistance from the PPA or qualifying programs. When you apply for assistance you will be asked for your age, your yearly income, total assets, whether or not you have other insurance or if you are on Medicare or Medicaid. You will need to have a list of your current medications available to find out what programs you qualify for.

You can go through this process easily and privately through the PPA website (pparx.org) or call them at 1-888-477-2669. Once you find a program that suits your budget you will need to fill out an application form and have your doctor sign it. You are not obligated to subscribe to any prescription program at any time.

Wal-Mart $4.00 Prescription Drug Program

The Wal-Mart $4.00 Prescription Drug Program offers over 1000 prescription drugs for only $4.00 per 30 day supply. They also offer the 90 day supply program for $10.00. These programs are offered in all 50 states, except North Dakota, and in nine other states the price of certain drugs on their list may be higher due to state laws. These programs are also available at Wal-Mart's partner stores Sam's Club and Neighborhood Market pharmacies.

You do not have to apply to qualify for these programs and it does not matter if you are already insured or on Medicare. If your existing insurance price is lower than $4.00 you will pay the lower price, otherwise Wal-Mart will automatically give you the $4.00 price. In order to receive the $4.00 rate you must bring in the prescription yourself and pick up the refills in person. This program does not apply to mail-order prescriptions.

The majority of the drugs available through this program are generic so if you are using a name-brand medication you may want to ask your doctor for the generic equivalent. Wal-Mart pharmacies will not substitute your prescription without your doctor's approval.

You can check out the list of qualifying medications at their website (walmart.com) or visit a participating store for a list of medications.

With millions of Americans either uninsured or in the low-income to poverty bracket these programs are a welcome change to help get prescription medicines into the hands of those who need them. With little or no paperwork necessary to use these programs, many Americans can finally get their medications and have a chance for a healthier, happier future.