Patient Assistance: Find Help Paying for Medicines
Need help affording a prescription? Start by checking three places now: your insurer’s drug coverage, the drug manufacturer’s assistance program, and nonprofit patient foundations. Those three options solve most short- and long-term gaps quickly.
Immediate steps to get help
First, call your insurance or log into your plan’s member site and ask about prior authorization, step therapy alternatives, or lower-tier generics. Second, search the manufacturer’s website for “patient assistance” or “co-pay card.” Many companies offer free drugs or steep copay discounts for people who qualify. Third, contact a local hospital social worker or a patient advocacy group—those people can often fast-track applications.
When you apply, have these ready: a recent pay stub or tax return, photo ID, a current prescription, and a short note from your prescriber explaining medical need. Filling applications completely avoids delays. If you miss documentation, ask for a 30- or 60-day extension so you don’t run out of medicine.
Longer-term ways to lower costs
Look for generic alternatives and therapeutic substitutes—sometimes a cheaper drug works just as well. Talk to your prescriber about dose-sparing strategies or switching to a monthly injection instead of daily pills if that lowers overall costs. Use pharmacy discount cards, compare prices on reputable sites, and ask about 90-day supplies which often reduce the per-dose price.
Consider manufacturer patient assistance programs (PAPs) for ongoing help. PAPs have income limits and specific eligibility rules, but they can cut costs dramatically for people with chronic conditions. Nonprofit organizations often cover diagnostic-related drugs or provide travel and lodging support if treatment requires distant care.
If you shop online, stick to verified pharmacies. Check for a physical address, licensed pharmacist contact, and, in the U.S., NABP or state board verification. Avoid sites that sell prescription meds without requiring a prescription—that’s a red flag. For imports, read your country’s customs and personal-use rules before ordering; some countries allow limited personal imports but have strict limits.
Watch for scams. Legitimate programs will never ask for unusual upfront fees, Bitcoin-only payments, or your full Social Security number over unsecured email. If an offer sounds too good—like brand-name drugs for a tiny flat fee—pause and verify the source by calling the manufacturer or your pharmacist.
Finally, ask your clinic about sliding-scale clinics or pharmacists who offer payment plans. Small changes—switching to a generic, applying for a copay card, or using a 90-day fill—add up. Need specific resources? Our site has guides on buying safely online, importing rules, and drug alternatives that can help you choose the right path for your situation.
