Financial Assistance for Prescription Drugs Saves Lives

Health care continues to remain a conundrum for some people. Even with the Affordable Healthcare Act, there are many people who cannot afford to get the medical attention they need. Finding the right care, as well as getting financial assistance for medical issues helps many people remain alive. There is hope for others too. In fact, private doctors and medical clinics offer options for patients who need assistance to get the treatment they need. Additionally, patients can find financial assistance pharmacy Michigan to help them receive the prescription drugs they need.

Reduced/No Cost Assistance with Prescription Drugs

Access to health insurance and prescription drug coverage does not automatically mean patients can afford the medication. There are many pills, especially for specialty issues, which sustain life that eat away at a family’s budget. When this happens, patients ration pills, which can lead to complications.

As subject matter experts about medications, pharmacists are well-informed about programs offered by pharmaceutical companies that help patients get their medical prescriptions at a significantly reduced cost, or free. The best way for people to take advantage of these programs is to let the pharmacist know about the financial hardship and struggle to pay for prescription drugs. Generally, people meeting the following stipulations will qualify:

• No prescription drug coverage or coverage with a high deductible

• No access or limited access to financial assistance for prescription drugs

• Limited income

• Individuals with rare conditions

• Medicare A/B or D

Many programs have specific criteria patients must meet in order to determine eligibility. However, consulting a pharmacist opens the door to reduced or free prescription drug coverage from drug developers and local and national charities.

Benefits to Patients

Enlisting the services of professionals to help find financial assistance for prescriptions does more than just get the drugs patients need, it helps them heal their bodies. Studies show that meditation and laughter doesn’t just ease minds, but both have a real physiological effect on the brain, which helps heal the body. Although the connection is not clear, individuals who do not stress increase their chances of survival and overcoming their illnesses. For patients who stress over prescription drug costs, financial assistance programs help them focus on what matters—healing their bodies.

Financially strapped individuals who worry about getting the medication they need should speak with their local pharmacist to identify programs and services that help them cover the cost of their medication. They will be shocked to find all the life-saving help available that will not only improve their perspective, but their overall health as well.

Coinsumer Options for Financial Assistance for Medications

Medical debt is an increasingly significant problem in America, and for many people, medications play a large role. Not only are medications usually required to be purchased on a regular basis, but they can sometimes mean life or death. Something as simple as an antibiotic can be quite costly and surprisingly expensive. However, consumers do have some options for financial assistance. Local Aid Groups Consumers usually have a variety of local aid groups -- and even national aid groups -- that they can contact. Often, this depends on the status of the consumer. A consumer may qualify for a "senior" medications program or a "veteran's" medications program. The local Department of Human Services will often have additional information.

    

Pharmacy Programs Many pharmacies run their own financial assistance programs. To find financial assistance pharmacy michigan, a consumer would call their local pharmacies and inquire about their low-income aid programs. These pharmacy programs have the benefit of being very simple; the consumer need only visit the pharmacy and fill out the paperwork there. Low Income Clinics Low income clinics offer prescriptions at a low cost and will also usually be able to connect their patients with financial assistance programs for their medications. Low income clinics are also very knowledgeable about the cheaper medications, so they may be able to modify prescriptions to find the lowest possible cost. Medical Lines of Credit

    

There are a variety of companies that provide lines of credit specifically for medical use. These lines of credit are usually open to those with lower credit scores and lower income because they are only to be used for prescriptions, with doctors and for dental care. General Financing Options Those who have exhausted the above options may be able to avail themselves of more general financing options; consumers may be able to open up credit cards or take out small personal cash loans. However, this is usually the last resort because it is not a financially sustainable situation -- over time, the consumer's amount owed will increase unless their financial situation changes. In general, consumers have a wide variety of options for financial assistance at most pharmacies. However, consumers must advocate for themselves if they are interested in procuring help; these solutions usually need to be sought out rather than being offered directly.