Prescription drug programs: A lifeline for the uninsured

I just started in my third week at 211info writing for our website. When I decided to see what I could find out about low or no-cost prescription drug programs to post on our blog, I thought it would be a no-brainer. That is, until I began researching the topic. Like many 211info clients I was besieged with options.

After a short break and a few deep breaths, I came back to my desk with a clear head and an epiphany: A lot of options translate into good news for the consumer. Here are my picks, I hope they offer some clarity:

Local prescription drug assistance programs

• The Oregon Prescription Drug Program (OPDP) is a drug purchasing pool that helps increase access to prescription drugs. Essentially any uninsured Oregonian can join the program and receive prescription discounts of up to 60%. Enroll on the OPDP website or call 1-800-913-4146. Registration only takes a few minutes and enrollment is FREE.
• The Pharmacy Bridge Program, if you are a patient served by one of Multnomah County’s Coalition of Community Health Clinics or by Project Access NOW. Pharmacy Bridge is a temporary resource for a limited number of drugs at a low cost. It is not designed to provide urgent access to medication. To find out more about the program, call 503.413.5746.
• The $4 Generic Drug Program, if you can take the generic form of your medication. This program is offered by many large chain variety or grocery stores like Target, Walmart, QFC, and Fred Meyer. The generic drugs on their formulary – they vary from pharmacy to pharmacy - cost $4 for a 30-day supply or $10 for a 90-day supply.

Don’t forget the internet

I’ve listed three reliable Internet websites where a person can apply online for no-cost or low-cost medications. The cost savings are directly passed down to consumers by hundreds of sponsoring pharmaceutical companies. You must have a prescription from a medical provider to gain access to medications.

• Needy Meds, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit with the mission of helping people who cannot afford medicine or health care costs. The information at NeedyMeds is available anonymously and free of charge.
• The Partnership for Prescription Assistance which claims to offer over 475 patient assistance programs to help pay for prescription drugs.
• RxAssist, a national program supported by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.

Bear in mind that qualifying financial information needs to be approved in order to have access to any of the programs in this blog. Guidelines vary from program to program. In addition, nearly all prescription assistance programs require proof that you do not have prescription drug coverage through a medical insurance plan.

Shop Wisely

Comparison shopping never goes out of style – not just for clothes or cars. It works for prescription drugs, too!

You might find that for certain medications, your cost might be higher if you go through the Oregon Prescription Drug Program than if you access the $4 Generic Drug Program.

In addition, current research by the American Association of Retired People (AARP) shows that, in many cases, older generic medicines are more effective than some of the new and expensive medicines. If cutting the cost of your prescriptions isn’t going to increase your health risks, why not go with the cheaper drug.

Have you used any of the programs with success?