Prescription Drug Assistance Guide

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The following information is provided to help you locate assistance paying for prescription drugs. We do not endorse any programs listed and the information is not all-inclusive.

Prescription Drug Assistance Programs
Prescription drugs can be a major health expense that is not covered by many health plans including Medicare and supplemental policies. Many drug companies realize this and offer programs to help provide medications. These programs are open to people who do not have prescription insurance coverage and cannot afford their medications. In addition, some assistance is available through public programs such as the Veteran’s Administration and the State of Oregon will be implementing a new Senior Prescription Drug Assistance Program in 2003. The following is a list of helpful programs for low and moderate-income persons who need assistance paying for prescription drugs:

Access to Benefits Coalition can help many seniors and younger people with disabilities find ways to reduce the costs of their medications. The site can provide Medicare recipients with information regarding the Medicare approved prescription discount card and Medicare Part D (which begins in 2006). The Access to Benefits web site is www.benefitscheckup.org/link/clackamas

 Needymeds.com offers the opportunity to look up medications for which assistance is needed. The site links the medication to the financial assistance program and information on how to obtain the medication free or at a discounted price. http://needymeds.com/

Volunteers in Healthcare is a national non-profit program funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. It provides an easy to use list of searchable drug assistance programs as well as information on drug discount cards. Please note that in most cases, your healthcare provider must apply to these programs on your behalf. The Volunteers in Healthcare RxAssist Web site is www.rxassist.org/default.cfm

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has compiled a searchable list of programs that may help with the cost of prescription drugs. The site is geared to Medicare recipients; however, some of the programs listed are available to persons who are not receiving Medicare benefits. The Medicare Prescription Drug Assistance Web site is www.medicare.gov/Prescription/Home.asp

Oregon Department of Human Services
The Senior Prescription Drug Assistance Program (SPDAP) allows members to purchase prescription drugs from participating pharmacies at the State Medicaid rate. The SPDAP is administered by the DHS Office of Medical Assistance Programs (OMAP). However, it is not a Medicaid program, and SPDAP members are not Medicaid clients. www.oregon.gov/DHS/index.shtml

Oregon DHS also maintains a list of prescription drug assistance websites at www.oregon.gov/DAS/OHPPR/OPDP/index.shtml

The National Council on Aging Benefits Checkup website http://www.benefitscheckup.org/ can help seniors locate prescription drug assistance programs.

Discount Drug Programs
There are numerous programs that offer group discount drugs. Most group discount plans charge membership fees. Discounts are also offered at retail pharmacies, mail-order pharmacies and online drug stores. The benefits and costs vary and you should compare costs and programs carefully. Before signing up, be sure that you understand what the program offers as well as fees and restrictions that may apply. Ask your pharmacist about available discount programs.