Prescription Coverage - Adults
Below is a list of options and programs to consider to get help with prescription coverage.
Information on County Prescription Plans. Note the requirements for the programs.
Information on Elder Prescription Insurance Plan (EPIC) Note the plan is discontinued as of January 1, 2006 because of Medicare's prescription coverage changes.
The MiRx CardFree and Low Cost Health Clinics
Some health clinics offer assistance with prescription medications. To locate health clinics in your county contact your health department or the following website: You may also want to check with your local United Way to see if they have a listing of clinics in your area.
There are several ways to get discount prescription cards which offer savings of about 5-40% on particular drugs from selected pharmaceutical companies. Recent changes in Medicare means many of these programs that were targeted toward seniors with Medicare will be discontinued or perhaps modified.
Indigent Drug Programs:
Drug companies often have prescription assistance programs (PAP) available to patients who meet certain income eligibility requirements. To find out if a medication is covered by a PAP check the drug list at http://www.needymeds.com/.
Supplemental Health Insurance:
For patients age 65 or older: If you have low income and/ or few assets, consider applying for Medicaid at the local Department of Human Services to see if they qualify for straight Medicaid or a Medicaid Spend Down.
Veterans
For veterans only (not spouses) consider obtaining prescriptions through a VA Hospital Pharmacy. Prescriptions with a $7 co-pay. The prescriptions must be written by a VA physician, but care can be “co-managed” with a non-VA physician. Patients must enroll and have a VA Primary Care appointment to receive the medications. Contact Veterans Administration at 1-800-827-1000 or www.va.gov with specific questions.
Miscellaneous Options:
Sam's Club/Wal-Mart Stores is also offering $4 perscription fee for 300 of the most commonly prescribed generic drugs for $4.00 for a 30 day supply. For information on the 27 states and the generic drugs, go the the WalMart pharmacy site. This is a cash and carry price--they do not need to bill your insurance. (It is possible your cost may be less, depending on your prescription drug plan coverage). The prescriptions must be picked up in person. You do not need to be a member to take advantage of this. You may want to call ahead to see if your local store is participating because all stores may not be onboard with the program as yet.
Target is also offering $4 prescription fee for a group of generic drugs. For information of the program, where it is available and which drugs are covered, go to the Target pharmacy site.
Kroger is offering $4 prescriptions for a gorup of generic drugs.
Meijer offers $4 prescriptions for many generic drugs. They also offer a listing of free antibiotics, free pre-natal vitamins and health screening. Programs vary by location. Search on google for local listing of Meijer store to see what they offer.
The Michigan Government web site allows you to search and compare drug prices at RxPrice Finder
Consumer Reports Best Buy Drugs - Helps you learn about more affordable drug treatment options to discuss with your doctor
Patient Access Network Foundation - does provide help with co-pays for those who have insurance but can't afford the medication or treatments. They have a listing of specific disease that they will help with. Unfortunately they do not cover mental health conditions.