Most treatment plans involve medication. Unfortunately, medicine can be pretty expensive. Some of the medication doctors prescribe is too costly, yet you can’t avoid it if you want to get better. Fortunately, you don’t need to skip or take less medication. Here are some options you can consider to ensure you get the medicine you need.
Health Insurance
Most people carry health insurance. The major concern is whether the plan you’re on covers prescription medication. As mentioned, medication can be costly, especially for specialty medication. According to Payerally, the projected spending on specialty drugs in the U.S. is expected to surpass $500 billion in 2023. This data just shows how costly medication is and why having a health insurance plan that covers medication can help you afford the medicine you need.
Some private health insurance companies cover part or all the cost of your medication. Medicare Part D and your Medicaid plan can also help cover the cost of your medication.
Federal and State Programs
Aside from Medicare and Medicaid, other government programs can help you access the medication you need at an affordable cost. The Extra Help Program helps people on the Medicare plan afford medicine. Depending on your income, the program covers part of the cost of your coverage. This can be premiums, copays, or deductibles.
You can also check out state pharmaceutical assistance programs. Several states have programs to help underinsured and uninsured residents cover medication costs. The programs target anyone who doesn’t qualify for Medicaid. Each program works differently, and who qualifies will depend on the rules of the program.
Patient-Assistance Programs (PAPs)
PAPs are funded by companies that manufacture prescription medicine. To qualify for these programs, you have to meet certain criteria. For instance, you may have to prove your income level is below a particular level and you don’t have prescription coverage. Usually, your nurse, social worker, or doctor applies and submits the application for you.
Alternatives and Generics
Another option is checking if your healthcare provider can switch your medication to a cheaper alternative. For example, brand-name drugs are often more costly than generic drugs, yet the latter are just as effective. If you have been taking a particular drug for a long time, ask the provider whether you still need to keep taking it.
You can also ask whether certain lifestyle changes can reduce or eliminate the need for a particular drug. A good example is practicing preventive care. People who see primary care providers save about 33% more on healthcare compared to their peers who only go to specialists. A primary care provider can offer varying services, including preventive care, which catches conditions early when the cost of treatment isn’t very high.
State and Community Programs
Another alternative is to look into affordable medicine programs within your community or state. These programs are usually for seniors, people with disabilities, and those with low incomes. Check free health clinics and community health centers in your area and see if you can get medication at a lower cost. To qualify for these services, you’ll need to show your income is low, or you can’t qualify for private health insurance.
Pharmacy Programs
Your solution to affordable medication could be just down the street. Check whether your local pharmacy has a program to sell affordable medication to those in need. These programs are useful as they ensure you don’t miss or take any medication at the wrong time.
In fact, this also allows you to ask the pharmacist any questions regarding your prescription and timing. According to AARP, in medication, ‘daily’ means the 24-hour period. On the other hand, every 12 hours means twice daily. Pharmacies also partner with community health centers to offer affordable medication while educating the community about different prescriptions.
These are some of the common options to help you get medicine at an affordable cost. Check which one you qualify for and start the application process.