Medication Assistance Programs

Cost is one of the most common reasons people give for not taking their medications. But money doesn't have to stop you. Tell your health care professional or pharmacist if you're having trouble paying for your medication. Your health care professional may be able to prescribe another medication that works just as well but costs less.

Ask about "manufacturers' aid" or "patient assistance" programs. These are public and private programs that offer discounted or free medications. Your income and often your age will determine whether you can get them. And some programs require your health care professional to apply for you.

Most programs will need to know this information:

• The prescription medications you are taking
  • Name of each drug
  • The dose (amount and pill size)
  • How often you take the medication (for example, two times a day)
• Your monthly or annual gross income
• Your state of residence
• The name of any insurance program you're covered under

Here are a few programs and resources that you may find helpful.

America's Pharmacy(link opens in new window)
888-495-3181(available 24/7)
Prescription drug discount card.

BeMedWise
978-281-6666 or [email protected]
Promotes information for safe medication use, storage and disposal. It also provides access to a medication discount card.

Choice Drug Card
800-232-7598
Prescription drug discount card.

Eldercare Locator Community Assistance for Seniors(link opens in new window)
800-677-1116 (M-F 8am to 9pm EST) or [email protected]
The Eldercare Locator connects older U.S. adults and their caregivers with sources of information on senior services, including medication assistance, within their state and local area.

GoodRx(link opens in new window)
855-268-2822 or [email protected]
Pharmacy discount card.

Medicare Prescription Drug Plan Finder(link opens in new window)
If you're covered under Medicare, you're eligible for Medicare prescription drug coverage, regardless of your income, health status or current prescription expenses. Enter all your prescription drugs into this online tool to get a personalized list of drug plans available to you, along with their costs and features. For more information about Medicare, call 800-633-4227 or 877-486-2048 (TTY users).

National Council on Aging Benefits CheckUp®(link opens in new window)
800-794-6559 (M-F 8am to 7 pm EST)
The BenefitsCheckUp® is an online service to screen for federal, state and some local private and public benefits for adults ages 55 and older.

NeedyMeds
800-503-6897
NeedyMeds is a national nonprofit information resource dedicated to helping people locate assistance programs to help them afford their medications and other health care costs.

NiceRx
866-407-0777 (M-F 9am to 6pm EST) or [email protected]
NiceRx helps Americans access affordable prescription medications through patient assistance programs.

Rx Outreach(link opens in new window)
888-796-1234 (M-T 7am to 7pm, F 7am to 530pm and Sat 9am to 2pm CST)
Rx Outreach is a charitable nonprofit patient assistance program. The program provides access to affordable generic and brand-name medications to qualified individuals and families based on income.

ScriptSave WellRx
800-407-8156 (M-F 9am to 8pm EST)
Prescription savings program.

SingleCare
844-234-3057 (available 24/7)
Distributes free prescription medication savings cards and provides a medication price lookup tool.