Help paying for medications

Ask us first

We can see what your plan is doing with a claim, and often that is where the answer is. It costs nothing to ask, and it takes a few minutes.

• A different form or strength: Sometimes the same medication is priced very differently as a different strength or quantity, and your prescriber can adjust it.
• A generic or therapeutic alternative: If one exists, we can talk it through with you and contact your prescriber.
• A longer day supply: For maintenance medications, a 90-day fill is sometimes cheaper per month than a 30-day fill.
• A prior authorization: If the plan wants more information before covering it, that process may be the real obstacle. See our prior authorization guide.
• Manufacturer copay cards: Many brand-name medications have them. Eligibility varies, and most cannot be used with Medicare, Medicaid, or other government-funded coverage. We can tell you whether one applies to you.

NeedyMeds

NeedyMeds is a national nonprofit that keeps a free, searchable directory of programs that help with the cost of medicine and care. You do not need an account to search it, and it does not charge for access.

• Patient assistance programs: Programs offering free or reduced-cost medication to people who qualify. These are different from copay cards and have their own eligibility rules.
• Coupons and copay help: Printable coupons, rebates, and savings cards.
• Diagnosis-based assistance: Organizations that help with costs tied to a specific condition.
• Free and low-cost clinics: A directory covering medical, dental, and behavioral health.
• Their helpline: NeedyMeds can be reached at (800) 503-6897.

A word of caution

Discount cards and coupons are not insurance, and using one may mean the purchase does not count toward your deductible. Whether a card beats your insurance price depends on the medication and the plan, so it is worth comparing rather than assuming. We are happy to run both and tell you which is actually cheaper that day.

If money is the reason a medication is not getting filled

Please tell us rather than skipping doses or splitting tablets on your own. We would much rather work the problem with you and your prescriber. Call us at (972) 442-5333 and ask for a pharmacist.