Excerpted from Stroke Connection March/April 2003
The cost of prescription medicines can quickly add up, particularly if a stroke survivor needs more than one. Many stroke survivors take a combination of a high blood pressure drug, an anti-platelet and an anti-coagulant.
An Internet program called NeedyMeds.com may offer some light in this dark financial tunnel. Founded in 1997 by a social worker and a physician, this program provides information about patient assistance programs (PAP) offered by pharmaceutical companies.
Some facts about Patient Assistance Programs:
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Many companies have PAPs to help people reduce medication expenses
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Some PAPs provide discounts on medication
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Some provide medications free of charge to patients who can’t afford them and who meet certain criteria (each company has different rules, usually based on income and insurance)
NeedyMeds.com offers a database of more than 900 companies who provide these programs, and outlines their qualifications. Medications are organized on by company name and drug brand name. The program offers a copy of each company’s PAP application.
When you submit your application include:
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Proof of income
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The original prescription signed by your healthcare provider
Once you are qualified, most programs provide medications in three-month supplies.
NeedyMeds’ plans include expanding services to help patients deal not only with medication costs but medical supply needs as well.