(DailyAnswer.org) – The cost of prescription drugs is one of the significant healthcare challenges most Americans have to face. Even if you’re covered under private insurance or Medicaid, affording prescription drugs can still be challenging. Some people may choose to go without some drugs to afford what they need. This can limit the patients’ recovery process due to inadequate prescription drugs.
There are many programs to help you afford and save on prescription drugs. If you haven’t already applied, the first step is to apply for a federal program like Medicaid with low costs and other benefits. Here are ways you can use to pay for your prescription drugs.
Consider Switching to Generic Drugs
When a pharmaceutical company introduces a new drug, the organization enjoys an approximately 20-year patent. After the patent expires, other agencies can manufacture generic versions of the drug rather than the brand name equivalents.
According to the Federal Drug and Administration (FDA), you can save 30% to 80% of the cost of prescription drugs when purchasing generic drugs. In addition, you shouldn’t be concerned about the efficacy and quality of generic drugs because the FDA has strict standards for generics compared to their brand-name versions.
When your doctor issues a prescription, check the option if it permits the pharmacist to give a generic equivalent. You can also ask the doctor or medical professional if you can purchase its generic version.
Ask Your Doctor for Help
Healthcare professionals work with private drug assistance programs to ensure patients can access needed medications. If you have challenges paying for your prescription, you can ask your physician for help, who will contact the manufacturer to help you.
The doctor’s office is also valuable because it advises patients about Medicare prescription benefits and signs the paperwork for patient assistance programs and referrals to other state programs.
Apply for Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage
Medicare Part D, a new outpatient drug coverage that began in 2006, works like other health insurance programs. It is optional, and anyone with Medicare can apply for the program. This option allows Medicare patients to select at least two prescription drug coverage options. This plan covers drugs for all medically required treatments, pays for generic and brand-name drugs, and allows beneficiaries to fill prescriptions at a pharmacy or order by mail.
State Pharmaceutical Assistance Programs
Most states have programs that help people afford the cost of prescription drugs and offer discount programs to help reduce the cost. These programs are government-run under Medicare, and you can check out your state’s Pharmaceutical Assistance Program and find out if you qualify.
Get Help from Non-profit Organizations
There are non-profit organizations that help patients find affordable medications. Here are some of these agencies.
NeedyMeds
It is a nonprofit agency that offers free information on how patients can afford prescription drugs and other medical costs. NeedyMeds allows you to search for prescriptions based on the doctor’s diagnosis or condition, compare drug manufacturer savings programs and find discounts and rebates. However, always verify the information you discover with your doctor or pharmacist.
RXAssist
It is a database where you can search for specific medicines and compare their costs by pharmacy. Your doctor can use RXAssist’s website to look for drug safety net programs, such as the ones that provide medications to the uninsured, or locate a representative for a specific drug in your region who offers discounts.
Partnership for Prescription Assistance
The Partnership for Prescription Assistance (PPA) is a free and confidential service that connects uninsured patients who have challenges affording medicines to prescription assistance organizations that provide free or low-cost drugs.
A patient or the patient’s advocate fills out an online form with basic information regarding prescription drugs, income, and existing drug coverage to use PPA. The PPA then matches the patient with support programs where they qualify.
Many resources and programs can help you afford prescription drugs, so don’t give up on your medications and use these resources to get well.
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