 Too many Virginians go without urgently needed medications because they can't afford to fill their prescriptions. Fortunately, there are a growing number of resources designed to help.
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Some health care providers help patients in need who have chronic illnesses enroll in pharmaceutical companies' programs for patients in need, allowing them to receive free or discounted medications. |
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If you are a patient at a Virginia Free Clinic or Community Health Center, ask them to check whether you qualify for assistance with presription drug costs. |
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If you have a chronic illness, live in an area of Virginia where there is a Medication Assistance Program (MAP), and meet income eligibility requirements, you may be able to receive free prescription medications through the RxRelief Virginia program or the Greater Williamsburg MAP. For details on eligibility and coverage, review VHCF's list of MAP sites statewide and contact your local MAP.
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Other individuals may be helped through RxOutreach, a project that assists eligible individuals of all ages to access generic medications. |
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In addition, some major retailers offer deeply discounted generic prescription medications, and there are a variety of Drug Discount Programs and drug discount cards that, depending on your medical needs, could help reduce your out-of-pocket costs for prescription medications. |
Other Helpful Links:
RxAssist | www.rxassist.org
Volunteers in Health Care, funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, developed the RxAssist web site to help health care providers identify programs offering free low-cost medications to eligible, low-income patients. This site contains information on more than 150 programs from dozens of pharmaceutical companies and more than 70 application forms on-line that can be printed. These programs usually offer a limited supply of free prescription medication to eligible patients.
The RxAssist web site also includes information about discount drug card programs offered by some pharmaceutical companies, state prescription assistance programs, and other resources that may help those without prescription coverage obtain free and low-cost medications.
NeedyMeds | www.needymeds.com
Rich Sagall, M.D. developed NeedyMeds which is a research tool that provides information on pharmaceutical companies that offer free medications through their indigent drug programs. Available medications and contact information are given on this site. Information can be accessed by the manufacturer, drug name or by drug category. The program also offers a manual in PDF format for $60 with updates frequently available. The manual contains copies of the forms necessary to access the programs. You can also register online to receive updates via e-mail.
The NeedyMeds web site also includes information about discount drug card programs offered by some pharmaceutical companies, state prescription assistance programs, and other resources that may help those without prescription coverage obtain free and low-cost medications.
Partnership for Prescription Assistance | 1-888-4PPA-NOW | www.pparxva.org
The Partnership for Prescription Assistance brings together America's pharmaceutical companies, health care providers and community groups to help qualifying patients get the prescription coverage they need. Many could receive their medicines free or nearly free.
Helping Patients | www.helpingpatients.org
This is a web site sponsored by PhRMA (the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America) that helps patients, care givers, and providers find Patient Assistance Programs.
PhRMA | www.phrma.org
The research-based pharmaceutical industry has had a long-standing tradition of providing prescription medicines free of charge to physicians whose patients might not otherwise have access to necessary medicines. To make it easier for physicians to identify the growing number of programs available for needy patients, member companies of the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) created a directory of Prescription Drug Patient Assistance Programs.
RxHope | www.rxhope.com
RxHope is an independent Internet-based patient assistance and sampling company that was custom designed to eliminate the time and cost of applying for patient medications. This site has substantial benefits for patient advocates, doctors, and patients: faster processing, less time and resources required, and a significant financial savings. An Assistance Finder is also offered, which matches patient information against other available federal, state and charitable prescription drug programs.
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