Recently, in an online group, a person was talking about the high cost of brand names drugs. It is a fact that sometimes people require the brand name. Precise concentrations, allergies, and other factors are contributions to this requirement. Insurance programs do have a process for handling this requirement. The Doctor's office must fill out a Prior-Authorization(PA) form. Yet, this takes time and the patient needs the medication before the process can be complete. A few insurance companies will pay for a few days of the drug while this process is in the works.
Six hundred dollars a month is the cost this person is paying until the PA is complete. How many people can afford this alone? Those having children or family members with special needs(health conditions)? Or, along with paying insurance costs?
I had to post some information. Next year under the new law things may change. This information is intended to help. Please use the information if it helps. BUT, remember to ALWAYS CHECK WITH YOUR HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS and realize things change. Now that is said I pray this can alleviate some issues for some people.
I am cooking cookies and fighting a dog that wants them while writing this.
Sandie, our dog, helped herself to the cookie dough on the spatula! Can I have a break on some spelling please?
Back to the help with drug costs. There are sites that can give you information on how to get Patient Assistance. I will provide a few. Usually the assistance comes from drug companies. Besides these sites one can check with organizations such as Cancer Association of American, Leukemia Society and on and on.
Income restrictions do apply. That said, there are allowances to adjust the income. Cost of total prescriptions, out of pocket insurance costs along with other reasons can help a person qualify for help. Copay assistance is available also.
If you think only low income people can get aid with prescription costs, think again. Many companies will pay for the copayment of a brand name drug. Check online. Type in the company that makes the drug or the brand name of the company. Ask your pharmacist or doctor if he has any copayment cards. Check online for Rx coupons. There could be a one time deal. The reason for this is to have a person try a drug before then given time for the patient to make budget considerations.
REMEMBER TO CHECK WITH HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS, THIS IS ONLY INFORMATION AIMED TO HELP IF POSSIBLE. Liability is on yourself to check up to date information. I mainly wish to provide help that some people may be unaware of.
Here are a few online sites.
>>>https://www.rxhope.com ; >>>http://rxoutreach.org ; >>>http://www.healthfinder.gov/rxdrug/
>>>http://www.webmd.com/healthy-aging/patient-assistance-programs-for-prescription-drugs
>>>http://rxassist.org/ ; >>>www.needymeds.org ; >>https://www.pparx.org/
>>>https://www.pparx.org/prescription.../co_payment_programs ;
>>>http://www.scbn.org/ (FOR UNINSURED ONLY) >>>http://www.panfoundation.org
>>>http://www.chelincoln.org/project_spotlight/health_360.html ; >>>https://theassistancefund.org
>>>http://www.patientadvocate.org/patient_services.php?p=751
RECALL I STATED A FEW COMPANIES PROVIDE PATIENT ASSISTANCE and to try looking up there information? Here are a few sites as examples.
>>>http://www.pfizer.com/health/financial_assistance_programs/patient_assistance_programs
>>>http://www.astrazeneca-us.com/medicines/help-affording-your-medicines
>>>http://www.merckhelps.com/mpap/
HAVE INSURANCE AND THINK YOU ARE BEYOND THE DRUG HELP FOR COPAYS? Try or use these sites as examples to check copay cards.
>>>http://www.mypfizerbrands.com/home? ; source=google&HBX_PK=s_copay+card&o=111430894|284395621|0&skwid=43700005603470797
>>>https://www.cellcept.com/copaycard
RECOLLECT MENTIONING COUPONS? CHECK for your medication brand name specifically when looking for help.
>>>http://www.goodrx.com/topamax
ASK FOR HELP. Doctors, nurses and pharmacists may have the information you need. Give them a break. Focusing on your health issues and you the patient occupy a huge percent of the brain. The desire to be correct comes before the price considerations. Knowing the pharmacy side a little better, I suggest asking during a time when business is slower, Saturday afternoons, Sunday afternoons and in the evening between 7 and say 8:30 are better to get the attention of a pharmacist for this type of question. Please understand I expect all providers to do their jobs. I know however these times provide a break from the pressure of heavy work times.
Some organizations give prescription support also. Here on some examples of links to try.
>>>http://www.lls.org/resourcecenter/helpfulorganizations/financialresources/insureddrugcosts/
Furthermore, seek out local agencies for guidance. These organizations are there to serve the public. Call the local Health Department, Department of Human Services and various other agencies.
Going without medication can increase costs of healthcare for every person. By giving you this information I hope it keeps a person out of the emergency room. TRY NEVER TO GO WITHOUT MEDICATION.
I APOLOGIZE FOR REPEATING MY SELF ON THIS POINT. THIS IS NOT A SUBSTITUTE FOR MEDICAL ADVISE, INTENDED TO REPLACE YOUR PROVIDERS OR INDICATE SWITCHING MEDICATION AND ON AN ON.
Please let me know if this is helpful. Leave a comment. Do you like my writing? Think this is a subject that needs to be written on more? What are your needs for information?
Thank you for your time.
