FREE OR DISCOUNTED PRESCRIPTION DRUGS

Lack Rx coverage? Experienced "denials?" Try these options!

Ever been denied coverage for a prescription drug ordered by your doctor? Don’t have prescription drug coverage? Here are some options:

1. Medicare recipients may take their prescriptions to any pharmacy that accepts Medi-Cal. Present your Medicare Card to receive Medi-Cal prices. You may need to ask for Medi-Cal prices as authorized by SB 393. Medi-Cal prices are typically 20-30% less than what you would otherwise pay. The Pharmacy may charge a 15-cent processing fee.  
2. PhRMA (the Drug Manufacturers Program) allows physicians to apply on behalf of the patient at http://www.rxhope.com or 1-908-850-8004 (toll call) and order for you. This program typically applies for non-maintenance drugs associated with an illness or injury.
3. Apply for the Medicine Program at PhRMA: 1100 15th Street NW Washington, DC 20005, Phone: 1-800-762-4636, or http://www.phrma.org - Go to their patients assistance program for a reimbursable $5 fee per prescription. This program is generally open to individuals with incomes below $18,000 or couples below $24,000 (pension and Social Security combined). This program also serves those with no drug coverage.
4. For $15, Pfizer offers a 30-day supply of any of its drugs to anyone below the above income levels: http://www.pfizerforliving.com/sharecard/nucardinfo.jhtml - Phone: 1-800-717-6005.
5. Eli Lilly, manufacturer of a large portion of drugs uses by seniors, offers a 30-day supply of any of its drugs (except insulin) for $12. Lilly’s program focuses on—but is not limited to—those on Medicare without prescription insurance, whose annual household income does not exceed $24,000. Lilly may also cover those with high co-pays, annual limits for drugs, or overall financial stress. They determine eligibility on a case-by-case basis after consultation with the patient’s doctor. Physician requests should be directed to: Lilly Cares Foundation, P.O. Box 25968, Alexandria, Virginia 22313, Phone: 1-800-545-6962. Interested members should talk to their physician about this program. For further information: http://www.lilly.com/about/community/foundation/product/llycare.html
6. Major drug companies offer the free Together RX Card to Medicare enrollees who lack drug coverage and have annual incomes of $28,000 or less ($38,000 for couples). Phone: 1-800-865-7211. Participating pharmacies: Wal-Mart, Walgreen's, Rite-Aid, Albertson’s, Target, and CVS and includes only drugs manufactured by Abbott, Astra-Zeneca, Aventis Pharmaceuticals, Bristol-Meyers Squibb, Glaxo Smith Kline, Johnson and Johnson, and Norartis. The discounts (for over 100 brand name drugs) range from 20% to 40% of the drug price individuals typically pay.
7. Tricare Senior Pharmacy Program – If you’ve served in the military, and meet Tricare (Veterans Administration) eligibility requirements, and have Medicare Part A & B coverage, contact your County Veterans Affairs Office or call 1-877-363-6337 (Dept. of Defense-Tricare Center). Benefits range from free prescriptions (if obtained at a base pharmacy) to 80% coverage (at non-participating pharmacies).
8. Appeal the denial to your insurance company on the grounds of medical necessity.
9. Pay the high retail price at your local drug store.