How to Get Help Paying for Drugs You Can't Afford

If your doctor prescribes an expensive drug and you’re uninsured or can’t afford the co-pays, don’t despair. So-called patient-assistance programs, many of them run by pharmaceutical companies, are available to help you get the drugs you need.

Each patient-assistance program sets its own eligibility requirements. The income limits vary widely, from 100% of the federal poverty guidelines (which in 2008 stood at $21,200 for a family of four) to over 300% of the guidelines, according to Rich Sagall, MD, president of NeedyMeds, an online clearinghouse of information for people who cannot afford medicine.

Most patient-assistance programs require the applicant to be an American citizen or legal resident, and most are restricted to the uninsured. "Most programs help people with no insurance, but some will help the underinsured," says Dr. Sagall. For instance, some companies will provide medications to patients who have reached the limit of their prescription insurance; others help people on Medicare Part D, the federal drug-subsidy program. In general, however, if you qualify for government-funded programs (such as Medicaid), you probably will not be eligible for most patient-assistance programs.

For a comprehensive directory of available patient-assistance programs (including which programs offer which drugs), visit NeedyMeds. Some programs run by pharmaceutical companies require your physician or another advocate to register you. If your doctor isn’t available to help and you need someone to act on your behalf, or if you just need some help with the paperwork, NeedyMeds can direct you to an advocate in your area.