Drug Assistance Programs
- For qualified low-income individuals, the Social Security Administration (SSA) offers
extra help to pay for some or most of the costs of prescription drug coverage.
- If your loved one already has Medicaid, a Medicare Savings Program, or receives
Supplemental Security Income, he or she does not need to apply for extra help from
the SSA.
- Some states have pharmaceutical assistance programs that reduce prescription costs.
Check with your state’s SHIP office to find out more.
People with limited income and resources can get assistance paying for prescription
drugs for little or no cost. Several types of programs can help:
Extra help from the SSA
The Social Security Administration (SSA) offers extra assistance to help qualified
individuals pay for drug costs. If your loved one already has Medicaid, a Medicare
Savings Program, or receives Supplemental Security Income, he or she does not need
to apply for this program. Eligibility is based on strict income and resource requirements.
Applications are available at your local SSA or Medicaid Office.
Veterans benefits
Many veterans use their benefits to pay for services not covered by Original Medicare,
including prescription drugs. To find out if your loved one is eligible for VA benefits,
or for further information, call the VA Health Administration Center at 1-800-733-8387
or 1-877-222-VETS.
State prescription drug assistance programs
Some states have pharmaceutical assistance programs that help save money on prescriptions.
Check with your state’s SHIP office to find out more.
Charity programs
Some charities can help reduce prescription costs. In some cases, the amount the
charity pays counts toward your loved one’s catastrophic coverage limit for Medicare
drug coverage. Some hospitals have a charity care policy that can reduce drug copays
if your loved one can’t afford them. Ask the hospital’s pharmacist how to qualify.
Patient drug assistance programs
If your loved one has a low income but assets too high for Medicaid, you may be
able to get free or low-cost drugs directly from the company that makes them. Many
companies have their own programs. In most cases, your doctor must apply for you.
Private companies
You may be able to get discounts on prescriptions by joining a discount card program
through private organizations such as AARP or by ordering from a mail-order pharmacy.
Medical clinics
Pharmacies in federally qualified health centers or hospital clinics may provide
medication at a reduced cost based on your income.
Generic drugs
Ask your doctor about generic drugs, which are almost always less expensive than
brand-name drugs.
