Receiving prescription drug coverage is very important to many people. This is especially true for seniors. Senior citizens typically have more medical conditions that require medication. Some seniors do not have any prescription coverage. With that being said they need to look to other sources to get their medication.
There are various ways to save on medications for seniors. Some of these ways include store discount cards and programs through pharmaceutical companies. In addition, there is also Medicare’s extra help. It is important, even if you do not think there will be one, to check for discounts. Seniors need help to pay for their medications and there are programs out there to help with some of it.
Prescription Assistance Programs
There are assistance programs available directly through pharmaceutical companies. Some of these companies have a program that will provide medications to eligible patients either at a discount or free of charge. You need to do your research to find out what company manufacturers your medication. See if there are different companies that make the same kind of drug, and what kind of programs they offer to people. Often, there are several companies that make the same generic drug of a brand name. So, each company may have its own way of helping people get the medication they need. However, only the company that makes the brand name will offer the medication free or discounted.
Discount Medication Programs
There are many different discount cards that are available through drug stores and through online sources. Some drug stores have their own programs that will allow people to get a discount on their medication if they sign up for it. Call around as different stores offer different prices on the same medication. This can be because they get the drugs from different manufacturers. Shopping around will give you an idea of which pharmacies have the best prices, so if you ever need to get something filled that is not covered by your plan, you know you will have options.
Good RX
Good RX, for example, has become very popular as a means to save money on prescriptions. You can download an app on your phone and receive your rx number. Search your prescription medications and find where the lowest price is. Alternatively, if your heart is set on a specific pharmacy, ask the pharmacist to find the lowest price on your medication.
Other Options
Seniors need to investigate what kind of medication they are receiving. If you are receiving a brand name, you should investigate getting your doctor to prescribe a generic medication. Generics are cheaper than brand names and can treat an illness or condition just as well as a brand name. Another way to try to save money is by ordering medications in larger quantities through the mail or online. Sometimes, even if you have a drug plan, it can be cheaper to order the medicine through the mail. This can be done through a third-party company or through a drug store. For instance, you may be able to order a 90-day supply of medication through the mail for the price of a 30-day supply in the store.
Extra Help With Medicare
For seniors who have Medicare and even those who have drug coverage through it, there is a special program called Extra Help With Medicare Prescription Drug Costs. This reduces the co-payments for medications and make it easier for seniors to afford their much-needed drugs.
Who is Eligible and How to Apply
Usually when referring to discount cards from a pharmacy or drug store, anyone is eligible. And normally, you just have to fill out a form and you can get your card right away. However, if you are applying with a pharmaceutical company, there may be income limits to receiving free medication. But some companies will offer discounted medication and there is usually not an income requirement for that kind of benefit.
Apply Directly with Drug Company
Depending on what you are looking to get, you may need to apply directly with a pharmaceutical company or a drug store. Sometimes you can get this all done online. However, especially if you are looking to get medications at no cost from a pharmaceutical company, you will need to mail or fax in certain information. Each company will have its own requirements, just like with discount cards. If you meet certain income levels, you may be eligible for the Extra Help program offered by Social Security. It cannot hurt to apply and it will not affect your current eligibility in any services.