Originally Published on May 25, 2017
Save on Prescription Drugs – Information on Assistance Programs
When you’re facing bankruptcy, one of the things you cannot do without is your prescription medication. Let’s explore resources and ways how to save on prescription drugs and medications despite the challenges one faces having gone through a bankruptcy.
Struggles over the cost of drugs lead many into debt, bankruptcy or even ill-advised strategies such as splitting pills or skipping days to make medications last longer. Cancer patients filing for bankruptcy protection appear to have a higher risk of dying, according to a new report in the Journal of Clinical Oncology. The authors, from the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle, said more research is needed to understand how “extreme financial distress influences survival” after people are diagnosed with cancer.
Drugmakers’ patient-assistance programs are the place to start if you need help paying for your prescriptions. Leigh Purvis, director of health services research at AARP’s Public Policy Institute, calls them a “necessary evil” in the face of drugmakers’ continued price increases.
These programs provide co-payment assistance or free or discounted medicines to people who can’t afford them.
Why you need to shop around
You expect to find price differences when you shop for electronics or groceries. But on life-saving drugs? Danielle Serino from NBC affiliate, WKYC in Cleveland investigated why you need to shop around.
http://www.wkyc.com/money/are-you-overpaying-for-your-prescription-drugs-our-investigation-shows-why-you-need-to-shop-around/442559546
Below are a number of links to all kinds of savings programs. Some of them can be combined with additional discounts.
Federal Trade Commission
https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0319-prescription-assistance-programs-health-information-older-people
Consumer Reports: Tips for Finding the Best Prices
http://www.consumerreports.org/drugs/6-tips-for-finding-the-best-prescription-drug-prices/
Manufacturer’s Savings
Pharmaceutical Assistance Program
https://www.medicare.gov/pharmaceutical-assistance-program/
Pharmacy Assistance Programs
CVS Prescription Savings Program
Giant Eagle Drug Discount Program
https://www.gianteagle.com/Pharmacy/Savings/4-10-Dollar-Drug-Program/
Rite Aid RX Savings Program
https://www.riteaid.com/shop/info/pharmacy/prescription-savings/rite-aid-prescription-savings-program
Walgreens Prescription Savings Club
https://www.walgreens.com/psc/prescription-savings-club
Walmart Generics Saving Program
https://www.walmart.com/cp/4-prescriptions/1078664
Independent Drug Savings Programs
Partnership for Prescription Assistance
https://medicineassistancetool.org/My-Resources
National Association of Counties Prescription Discount Card Program
Price Comparison Sites
Good RX
https://www.goodrx.com/
Healthcare Bluebook
https://healthcarebluebook.com/
For additional help and advice related to your bankruptcy, contact the expert personal bankruptcy lawyers of Dworken & Bernstein.
In Lake County, call 440.946.7656
In Cuyahoga County, call 216.861.4211
