Finding Financial Assistance Programs for Pharmacy Medications in Michigan

Not all medications are available in a low cost or generic format, but there are financial assistance programs available for those who would otherwise not be able to afford their necessary prescription medications. Michigan financial assistance pharmacy programs generally depend on the individual's financial and medical situation.

Generic Medication Assistance Programs

Assistance and discount programs exist for both those currently on generic medications and for those who wish to switch to generic medications. There are also generic discount drug programs available. However, generic medications are not always chemically identical to name brand medications, only the active ingredients are assured. There can be side effects to a switch from name brand to generic; consequently, it should always be done under the supervision and advice of a physician.

Low Cost and Sliding Scale Clinics

Low cost clinics are cost-conscious and able to prescribe medications that may cost less than other alternatives, and may be able to work with individuals to determine the best solution for their financial situation. A sliding scale clinic will collect financial information from a patient and will determine how much they can pay without undue financial hardship. Either way, an individual will usually pay much less through a low cost or sliding scale clinic than a conventional clinic.

Discounts, Coupons and Rebates

Many medications have discounts, coupons and rebates available directly from the pharmacy or the manufacturer. By inquiring with their doctor and pharmacy, a patient can often save a significant amount of money. Doctors and clinics can also give out samples of a wide selection of medication at their discretion, which will be more cost-effective when testing out trials of certain types of medication in succession.

Special Programs

Special programs exist for those within unique situations: senior citizens, veterans, college students and other similar individuals. Those who are within one of these situations, are disabled, or are otherwise at a disadvantage, may want to inquire about these specialty programs. The Department of Human Services will usually have more information regarding what is available.

Most pharmacies will be able to give additional information regarding financial assistance pharmacy Michigan organizations and discounts. Those who are concerned about the potential cost of their medications may wish to call the pharmacy directly or discuss their financial situation with their clinic or doctor.

Autoimmune Diseases

Unfortunately, autoimmune diseases are a common problem for people. In fact, the American Autoimmune Related Diseases Association states that about one in five people in the U.S. suffer from an autoimmune disease, and a majority – an estimated 75 percent to be exact – are women. For some individuals, the autoimmune disorder may leave him or her crippled, but a financial assistance pharmacy Michigan can help treat the condition.

Autoimmune disorders are classified into two different groups. One is autoimmune diseases that include rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis. Autoimmune diseases happen when the body's immune system is overactive. It begins to attack the body and its own tissue. Generally, autoimmune diseases require a drug that suppresses the immune system, so it no longer attacks itself and causes any further damage.

Psoriasis

One disease in this category is psoriasis. People with this condition have an overactive immune system that has red blood cells that collect within the skin. All the heightened activity causes the skin cells to continuously reproduce and quickly. This produces scaly, silvery plaques on the skin that only tends to go away with medication provided by a pharmacy.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis occurs when the immune system's antibodies connect to the lining of joints. These cells attack the joints. This results in symptoms like swelling, pain and inflammation. When rheumatoid arthritis isn't treated, the damage to the joints continues to get worse. When it's not treated, it wil cause permanent joint damage. People can take both injectable and oral drugs through a financial assistance pharmacy in Michigan in order to slow the progression.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

Inflammatory bowel disease occurs when the immune system begins to attack the lining of the intestines. This leads to rectal bleeding, urgent bowel movements, fever, weight loss, abdominal pain and diarrhea. The two major forms of this disease include Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Crohn's disease will go deep within the layers of the bowel tissue. In some cases, it can be life threatening. For other people, the symptoms aren't that bad. Either way, it's important that a person takes the injectable or oral medications that may reduce the severity of the symptoms and signs. In some cases, the treatment may lead to long-term remission. Ulcerative colitis happens in the large section of the intestines known as the colon and can be life threatening, especially without proper treatment.