Prescription Drugs . . .

Prescription Assistance Programs

• Prescription Assistance - Searchable Databases of Programs
• Prescription Assistance - Organizations Offering Direct Assistance
• Prescription Assistance - Discount Drug Cards

Prescription Assistance - Searchable Databases of Programs

The following Web resources provide information on many types of prescription assistance programs.

• NeedyMeds.
  A non-profit online database of patient assistance programs for underinsured and low-income individuals. Information is available for both brand-name and generic prescription drugs, as well as for discount drug cards. This Web site also has a database of disease-based financial assistance programs.

• Partnership for Prescription Assistance.
  Provides information in both English and Spanish on public and private programs providing free and low-cost prescription drugs to lower-income individuals. Users choose a State and fill out a brief on-line survey that allows them to search for multiple prescription drugs at once, and the site directs them to patient assistance programs for which they might be eligible. Consumers without Internet access can call (888) 477-2669 between 8 AM and 10 PM EST. The Partnership for Prescription Assistance is a national coalition of pharmaceutical companies, health care providers, pharmacists, patient advocates, and community groups.
• RxAssist.
  Provides information on private programs offering free and low-cost prescription drugs. After registering to use the site (which is free), users may search by drug manufacturer, drug name, or generic name. Operated by Volunteers in Health Care, a non-profit, foundation-sponsored organization.
• RxHope.
  Provides detailed information on public and private programs offering free and low-cost prescription drugs. Many applications for pharmaceutical programs are also available on this site and can be filled out online. Sponsored by PhRMA, a trade organization representing pharmaceutical companies.
• NYCRx.
  Non-profit program providing New Yorkers with information on where to obtain low-cost pharmaceuticals or get help applying for patient assistance programs. Please call 866-MY-NYCRX (696-9279) for more information.
• BenefitsCheckUpRx.
  This Web site checks the potential eligibility of adults age 55 and over for more than 260 public and private prescription drug programs. After completing a questionnaire, the user receives a confidential, personalized report. The entire process typically takes five to seven minutes to complete. Sponsored by the non-profit National Council on the Aging.

• Medicare.gov.
  This government-sponsored Web site provides information on Medicare managed care health plans that offer prescription drug coverage, and on a variety of other public and private programs that provide discounted or free medications. Users can search the site by entering a zip code or state, and then selecting up to five pharmaceutical companies or health conditions/diseases.

Prescription Assistance - Organizations Offering Direct Assistance

The following organizations provide direct assistance with prescription expenses.

For information on similar organizations offering medical expense and related assistance, visit the Financial Assistance category in HITE.

• Chronic Disease Fund (CDF).
  Provides individuals who have specific chronic diseases with co-pay assistance for medication and treatment. Clients must currently have health insurance and meet income requirements, which vary by state. Please note: funds for certain conditions may be temporarily unavailable. To apply, call (877) 968-7233.
• CSL Behring Patient Assistance Program.
  Offers free prescribed therapies for uninsured/underinsured patients with serious and rare conditions, including bleeding disorders and immune mediated disorders. Patients must be able to able to provide proof of income, as well as proof of uninsured status or gaps in coverage. For more information, please call (888) 415-2167.
• Patient Access Network Foundation.
  Provides patients who have specific chronic diseases with assistance paying for medication co-pays and treatment. Patients must have insurance, must be paying over $50 in out-of-pocket expenses per month, and must meet certain eligibility requirements related to income and diagnosis. For more information, please call (866) 316-7263.

• Patient Advocate Foundation - Co-Pay Relief Program.
  Provides insured individuals with certain serious diseases/conditions, including Medicare Part D beneficiaries, with direct financial assistance for pharmaceutical co-pay expenses, as well as guidance throughout the enrollment process. For information on medical and financial eligibility, please visit their Web site or call 866-512-3861.
• Patient Services Inc. (PSI).
  A non-profit premium and co-payment foundation that offers assistance with prescription and treatment co-pays, premiums, and other necessary expenses for patients with certain chronic illnesses. Assistance programs vary by diagnosis, and certain financial eligibility requirements apply. For more application information, please call (800) 366-7741 or click here.
• National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD).
  This Web site contains information on NORD's Patient Assistance Program, which provides free medications and financial assistance to eligible patients living with rare diseases. NORD is a federation of voluntary health organizations dedicated to helping people with rare diseases.
• The HealthWell Foundation.
  A non-profit organization that provides income-eligible individuals who have specific diseases with assistance in paying for prescription drug and health insurance costs, including  coinsurance, copayments, deductibles, and premiums. For more information, please visit their Web site or call (800) 675-8416.
• The Access Project - Drug Programs.
  Lists patient assistance programs for HIV/AIDS treatments, Hepatitis treatments, and treatments for other conditions. The Access Project, a program of the AIDS Treatment Data Network, also provides a free nationwide counseling and referral service. The Project can be reached nationally at (800) 734-7104, although it is recommended that individuals use this online form for a faster response.

• Medicare Rights Center—LINCS.
  Linking Individuals in Need to Care and Services (LINCS) is a helpline that assists low-income New Yorkers receiving Medicare to apply for a financial assistance program that will lower their out-of-pocket cost for prescription drugs. To qualify, individuals must have an income of less than approximately $1,300 per month ($1,700 for couples)—the amount varies according to the county of residence. For assistance, please call (888) RX-LINCS (795-4627). Individuals should have the following information available when calling: family assets, family income including how much the individual receives from Social Security, life insurance (including the face and cash values), Social Security number, and address. Representatives are available Monday–Friday, 9am–5pm; representatives who speak Spanish, Italian, Mandarin, and Cantonese (Mandarin and Cantonese are available in New York City only) in addition to English are available Monday and Wednesday, 6pm–8pm.
• Prescription Assistance Programs of America, Inc.
  Private organization that provides those who are eligible for patient assistance programs with application coordination and advocacy services. For a $50 monthly fee, clients may receive free prescription drugs through an unlimited number of available programs. To apply for services, please call (877) 420-6496.

Prescription Assistance - Discount Drug Cards

The following drug cards provide discounts for out-of-pocket prescription payments.

• Together Rx Access.
  A free drug card program offering individuals and families discounts on brand-name and generic prescription drugs. This program is for those who have no prescription drug coverage, are not eligible for Medicare, and meet certain household income requirements. To apply, fill out an online application or call (800) 444-4106.
• New York Prescription Saver (NYPS).
  Provides discounts for generic and brand-name drugs. Individuals must be 50 to 65 years old OR determined disabled by the Social Security Administration. Household income guidelines also apply. For more information, or for application assistance, call 1-800-788-6917 or 1-800-290-9138 (TTY). Sponsored by New York State.