We’ve all been there—at our local pharmacy, ready to fill our much-needed prescription when the clerk gingerly says: “That’ll be $200”. What? Two-hundred dollars for a couple of antibiotics?
In fact, according to Consumer Reports, prices for prescription drugs have skyrocketed. In 2007, for example, Americans spent $287 billion on prescription drugs, five times as much as in 1993.
Not surprisingly, a new report found that many Americans are having trouble affording their prescription drugs. The survey found that 28% of Americans have taken steps such as not filling prescriptions, skipping dosages, taking expired medication, cutting pills in half without the approval of their doctor, and even sharing prescriptions with a friend.
What Are Prescripction Assistance Programs?
Given that 40% of the US population is taking at least one prescription drug and one person in every six takes three or more, many states and pharmaceutical companies have decided to launch various prescription assistance programs to help qualifying patients with limited or no prescription drug coverage get the medicines they need for free or at a discount price.
Which Companies Offer These Programs?
Although each company may have its own specific prescription assistance programs, there are several programs that are co-sponsored by multiple companies, like:
- Partnership for Prescription Assistance (PPA)
- Together Rx Access™
- RxAssist
Who Can Qualify For These Programs?
Each program has its own eligibility requirements, but to qualify, you will normally have to be a legal resident of the US or Puerto Rico; have no prescription drug coverage (public or private); and not be eligible for Medicare. However, it’s very important that you carefully check the eligibility requirements as they might vary from program to program.
How Do I Know If My Prescribed Drug Is Covered?
Most of us don’t have the time or the energy to search for all those programs out there; that is why HISPANOSANO has put together a list of prescription assistance programs to help you find the programs you may qualify for.
