Why Is There a Need for a Financial Assistance Pharmacy in Michigan?

The use of prescription medication has become an increasingly important part of top-notch medical care. In fact, two out of three visits to a doctor usually end with a prescription being written out.

The Cost of Prescribed Medications Is Increasing

Prescribed medications range from the drugs that will clear a sinus or ear infection to those used to manage or treat potentially life-threatening conditions, such as asthma, cancer, diabetes and heart disease. Access to the drugs can mean improved patient outcomes as well as an improved quality of life while potentially preventing or delaying costlier medical conditions. However, the number of people who cannot afford to pay for much-needed prescriptions is on the rise, along with the need for a financial assistance pharmacy Michigan.

Consider the Following

Nearly 50 million Americans simply do not have health insurance and even millions more tend to be underinsured. On average, 80 percent of uninsured people are from working families. Among the people who do have health insurance, one out of ten people under the age of 65, and one in three people over that age, do not have coverage for prescription medications.

Unsurprisingly, people with lower incomes, the elderly and those who suffer with chronic conditions who require several medications, face massive economic burden. Such patients usually take less of their medication than prescribed, owing to cost concerns. As a matter of fact, uninsured adults are twice as likely as insured adults to use less of their prescribed medication to try to lower drug costs.

Surveys have found that one in five adults have failed to fill at least on prescription, while one in seven have admitted to taking a smaller dose than what was prescribed.

The decision to take lower doses or skip medication altogether can lead to serious health complications and a greater likelihood of visits to the emergency department. It can also lead to hospitalization, particularly among patients who have chronic conditions.

A Financial Assistance Pharmacy in Michigan Can Help

Prescription assistance programs have come to be in an attempt to assist patients who lack prescription drug coverage or adequate health insurance in order to have access to the medication they need. Such programs aim to help with either free or low cost prescription medication to qualifying individuals.

By offering financial assistance for a large range of medications, these programs offer a valuable resource to patients and help them to comply with their recommended drug regimens while enjoying better health outcomes. Millions of Americans turns to such solutions to get the medicine they need but cannot afford.

Enrollment and Eligibility

There are many pharmacies out there that voluntarily offer such programs. It is critical for patients, caregivers and health care providers to adequately research and understand the various eligibility criteria along with the application process as some programs can differ considerably.

Typically, most programs will require applicants to have either limited or no prescription medication coverage from public or private resources; demonstrate a financial need set on certain limitations and provide proof of their citizenship or residency.