How to Save Money on Prescription Drug Costs

In the United States, approximately 66% of adults take at least one prescription medication, according to the Georgetown University Health Policy Institute. Paying for prescriptions is a concern for millions of people, especially older adults who live on fixed incomes and may need multiple prescriptions to manage conditions such as diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure. AARP has been compiling data on drug prices for more than a decade, and its most recent report shows that consumers are right to be concerned. In 2015, prices increased for 97% of the brand-name medications tracked by AARP. Furthermore, 90% of brand-name medications doubled in price between 2006 and 2015.

This guide provides an overview of the programs available to help seniors save money on their prescriptions, along with tips for reducing out-of-pocket costs.

1Medicare Prescription Programs

Medicare Part D

For adults who've reached the age of 65, enrolling in Medicare can help defray the costs of prescription medications. Medicare Part A and Part B, also known as Original Medicare, don't cover most prescriptions. Therefore, seniors enrolled in Original Medicare should purchase Medicare Part D, a supplemental plan that offers drug coverage. Part D plans are offered by private insurance companies, giving seniors a wide range of options when it comes to coverage details and out-of-pocket costs.

Medicare sets a minimum coverage level that all insurance companies must follow when developing their Part D prescription plans. As long as insurers meet these minimum standards, they're free to determine which drugs are covered and how drugs are assigned to coverage tiers. These tiers help insurance companies reduce costs by charging higher copayments for the most expensive medications. The lowest tier is typically reserved for low-cost generic drugs, while the highest tier is for brand-name, nonpreferred drugs. Many plans also have a specialty tier for the most expensive drugs, which have no generic equivalents and can't be substituted with something less costly.

Medicare Advantage

Another option is to purchase a Medicare Advantage plan that includes coverage for prescription drugs. While Original Medicare is administered by the federal government, Medicare Advantage plans are offered by private insurance companies. These "all-in-one" plans include hospital insurance, health insurance and prescription insurance. Some insurers even include vision and dental coverage in their Medicare Advantage plans.

Prescription coverage is included with most Medicare Advantage HMO and PPO plans, but prescriptions may not be covered by private fee-for-service plans. Therefore, it's important to compare plans carefully and read the fine print before enrolling.

Enrollment Options

Seniors interested in Medicare Part D or Medicare Advantage can enroll in any of the following ways:

• Call 1-800-MEDICARE.
• Contact a private insurance company directly.
• Fill out a paper enrollment form
• Use the Medicare Plan Finder to compare plans and enroll.

2Medicaid Prescription Programs

Medicaid is a government program designed to cover medical expenses for Americans who meet eligibility requirements related to income or disability status. The program is jointly funded by the federal government and state governments, which means recipients in different states may not receive the same level of coverage.

Under federal Medicaid rules, states aren't required to cover prescriptions; however, all 50 states offer some type of drug coverage.

In some states, Medicaid enrollees aren't required to pay prescription co-pays.

For states that do require prescription drug co-pays, the co-payment amounts are typically just a few dollars per prescription. For example, Arkansas Medicaid recipients pay just $0.50 per $3.00 per prescription depending on the original cost of the drug.

Each state also has its own rules regarding the use of generics or preferred drugs. Utah uses a preferred drug list, while New Jersey requires prior authorization for some medications. A few states also have limits on the number of prescriptions covered each month; Oklahoma has a limit of six per month, while Texas has a limit of three prescriptions per month in most drug classes.

3Saving Money With Generics

The Association for Accessible Medicines reports that generic drugs generated savings of $253 billion in 2016.

Generic medications undergo rigorous testing to ensure they have the same effects as brand-name drugs; the U.S. Food & Drug Administration also inspects manufacturing facilities to ensure that pharmaceutical companies follow all relevant laws and regulations when manufacturing generic medications.

Generic medications work the same way as their brand-name equivalents, but they cost much less.

Generic drugs cost less than their brand-name counterparts for three main reasons.

• First, pharmaceutical companies spend millions, sometimes billions, of dollars to develop new drugs. When new brand-name drugs enter the market, manufacturers set prices high to recoup their research and development costs.
  
  
• Second, companies that manufacture generic drugs don't have to conduct clinical trials to demonstrate that their products are safe and effective, reducing the cost of bringing these drugs to market.
  
  
• Finally, when a pharmaceutical company releases a new brand-name drug, there's no competition in the marketplace, which drives up prices. Several manufacturers produce the same generic medications, increasing competition and lowering costs for consumers.

As a result, older adults can save a significant amount of money each month by purchasing generic drugs instead of brand-name ones.

Quantity Discounts

Another way to save money on prescriptions is to request a 90-day supply of each medication instead of a 30-day supply.

Switching to a 90-day supply of a long-term medication reduces the number of prescriptions filled to just four per year, reducing processing costs for insurance companies. As a result, many insurers now offer financial incentives for consumers to order 90-day supplies of their medications.

For example, Providence Health Plan only charges twice the normal monthly co-pay for a 90-day supply of some drugs. If the typical monthly co-pay is $15, a 90-day supply would cost $30 instead of the $45 it would cost if the consumer filled the prescription every month for three months.

Mail-Order Services

Using mail-order prescription services is another way to save money on medications. Major insurers reduce their costs by purchasing large quantities of medications and having third-party mail-order services fill prescriptions for those medications. As a result, seniors may pay less for larger quantities of their prescription drugs.

Cash Payments

In some cases, it costs less to pay cash for a prescription than it would to pay the required co-pay. For example, Walmart offers a low-cost prescription program that makes dozens of common medications available for just $4. If a consumer's insurance plan typically charges a $10 co-pay for drugs on the lowest tier, it's cheaper to pay the $4 out of pocket than it would be to pay the co-pay.

4Prescription Assistance and Discount Programs

Consumers should always ask their insurers if there's any way to save money on monthly prescriptions. Even if the insurer says no, several programs are available to help defray the costs of prescription medications and ensure older adults stay as healthy as possible. Some of these programs are designed to help consumers save money on specific brand-name drugs, while others offer general discounts on a variety of medications.

How to find manufacturer discounts and savings programs

Drug manufacturers, community organizations and prescription cost assistance programs (both local and national) are out there, if you know where to look and how the ask.

Drug-Specific Discount Programs

Bristol-Myers Squibb Patient Assistance Foundation

The Bristol-Myers Squibb Patient Assistance Foundation provides temporary help to pay for Eliquis, Empliciti, Sprycel, Opdivo, Nulojix, Yervoy and Orencia. Assistance is available to uninsured consumers with yearly incomes at or below 300% of the federal poverty level. To be eligible for this program, consumers must live in the United States, the U.S. Virgin Islands or Puerto Rico and be under the care of a licensed prescriber.

GSK for You

GSK for You is managed by GlaxoSmithKline and offers coupons, free trial offers and assistance paying for certain GSK medications. Prescription assistance is available to residents of the United States and Puerto Rico. To be eligible, an applicant must have no prescription drug coverage through any insurance company or prescription program and meet certain income requirements.

Help at Hand Patient Assistance Program

Takeda Pharmaceuticals administers the Help at Hand Patient Assistance Program to help defray the costs of more than a dozen drugs. The plan covers medications such as Dexilant, Lialda and Prevacid Solutab. To be eligible, a consumer must live in the United States, have a household income of no more than five times the federal poverty level and not have access to any alternate sources of funding. The Help at Hand Patient Assistance Program is available to uninsured consumers and individuals who have inadequate health coverage.

Johnson & Johnson Patient Assistance Foundation

The Johnson & Johnson Patient Assistance Foundation provides free prescriptions to consumers who meet certain eligibility requirements. To be eligible, the consumer must be taking a medication that has been donated to the program by Johnson & Johnson. Applicants must live in the United States or a U.S. territory, lack health insurance or have insurance that doesn't cover the medication and be under the care of a licensed prescriber in the United States. The program covers more than two dozen medications, including Concerta, Elmiron, Haldol and Remicade.

Patient Assistance Now

Patient Assistance Now is an online tool managed by Novartis. Consumers can use the tool to search for medications and answer questions about their income and insurance status. Based on the information provided, the tool recommends resources to help reduce the cost of prescription medications.

General Savings Opportunities

DrugCouponSave

DrugCouponSave offers coupons and discount cards provided by drug manufacturers. Coupons are available for drugs like Abilify, Suboxone and Buprenorphine.

GoodRx

GoodRx allows consumers to compare prescription prices at local pharmacies to determine where medications are the least expensive. The site also offers coupons for some medications, drastically reducing the cost of paying for prescriptions.

5Resources By State

Alabama

• Alabama Rx Card

  This prescription assistance program provides prescription drug coupons to help Alabama residents afford their prescription medications. There are no income or age requirements — simply print the coupon by clicking the link above.

  Alabama SenioRx Prescription Assistance Program

  The Alabama SenioRx program provides free or low cost prescription drugs to qualifying Alabama residents.

  To qualify for the SenioRx program, you must:

  • Be an Alabama resident who is age 55 or older or has a chronic medical condition that requires daily medication
  • Not have prescription drug coverage
  • Meet certain income guidelines. For specific information about the program’s income guidelines, call 1-800-AGE-LINE

Alaska

• Alaska Rx Card

  This statewide prescription assistance program can help Alaska residents save up to 75 percent on prescription drugs. There are no income or age requirements — simply print the coupon online and use at over 68,000 participating pharmacies nationwide.

  Alaska Senior Benefits

  SeniorBenefits offers benefits of $76 to $250 a month depending on your income.

  To be eligible, you must:

  • Be an Alaska resident
  • Have a Social Security number
  • Have a financial need
  • Be at least 65 years old
  • Be a US citizen

Arizona

• Arizona Rx Card

  This prescription assistance program provides discounts on brand-name and generic medications for all Arizona residents. There are no income or age requirements, and you have the freedom to choose from over 68,000 participating pharmacies nationwide.

Arkansas

• Arkansas Drug Card

  This is a free program that provides prescription assistance to all Arkansas residents. Although it is designed to help uninsured Arkansas residents afford their prescription medications, it can also be used to supplement Medicare Part D coverage by providing discounts on non-covered drugs.

California

• California Rx Card

  This program provides pharmacy coupon cards that can help CA residents save up to 75 percent on prescription medications. There are no income or age requirements — just follow the link above and print your coupon card today.

Colorado

• Colorado Drug Card

  This prescription assistance program provides discounts on brand-name and generic medications for all Colorado residents. There are no income or age requirements, and you have the freedom to choose from over 68,000 participating pharmacies nationwide.

Connecticut

• Connecticut Drug Card

  This statewide prescription assistance program helps CT residents save on prescription drugs through printable coupons. Choose from over 68,000 participating pharmacies nationwide. To get your free coupon, follow the link above.

Delaware

• Delaware Prescription Assistance Program (DPAP)

  This program gives members up to $3,000 a year toward prescription drugs deemed medically necessary.

  To use this program, members must pay a 25 percent copayment to the pharmacy where the prescription is filled. There is a minimum copayment of $5. The pharmacy then sends a claim to DPAP, and the program pays directly to the pharmacy.

  Eligibility requirements:

  • You must be a Delaware resident
  • You can’t be eligible for Medicaid or have any other drug coverage aside from Medicare Part D
  • You must be enrolled in Medicare Part D if you are eligible
  • If you are younger than 65, you must be eligible for Social Security Disability

  Delaware Chronic Renal Disease Program

  The Delaware Chronic Renal Disease Program helps cover the unreimbursed cost of medications, including the cost of Medicare Part D drug coverage. To qualify for this program, you must:

  • Be diagnosed with End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD)
  • Receive dialysis or have had a renal transplant
  • Have a gross annual income below 300 percent of the Federal Poverty Level

Florida

• Florida RX Card

  This program provides free discount prescription drug coupons that you can print online. Follow the link above to print your discount card now.

  Florida Prescription Assistance Program

  This statewide program is available to all Florida residents and can save them up to 75 percent on their prescription medications. Follow the link above to get your free pharmacy discount card, which can be used at over 60,000 participating pharmacies, including Walgreens, CVS, Walmart and Rite Aid.

Georgia

• Georgia Drug Card

  This free assistance program is available to all residents of the state of Georgia. The Georgia Drug Card can help residents save up to 75 percent on their prescription medications and can be used at thousands of pharmacies nationwide.

  Georgia Prescription Assistance Program

  The Georgia Prescription Assistance Program helps GA residents save on prescriptions at over 60,000 participating pharmacies. Follow the link above to sign up for your free pharmacy discount card.

Hawaii

• Hawaii Rx Plus

  This statewide program provides assistance to Hawaii residents who need help paying for their prescription medications. Follow the link above to print your free discount prescription drug card coupon, and start saving at over 68,000 pharmacies nationwide.

Idaho

• Idaho Rx Card

  All Idaho residents have access to this statewide prescription assistance program. Print your free discount prescription drug card coupon by following the link above. With your coupon you can receive up to 75 percent in savings that can be used at more than 68,000 pharmacies nationwide.

Illinois

• Illinois Rx Card

  All Illinois residents have access to this statewide prescription assistance program. Print your free discount prescription drug card coupon by following the link above. Your coupon can be used at more than 68,000 pharmacies nationwide, including CVS, Walgreens, Kroger, Walmart and Albertsons.

  Access to Care

  This program helps uninsured or underinsured Illinois residents pay for health care and prescription drugs. They offer affordable prescription drug plan options, as well as other services. This program is available in suburban Cook County, for lower-income individuals.

Indiana

• Indiana HoosierRx

  HoosierRx is a program that provides up to $70 per month toward prescription drugs. The benefit is paid directly to the participating Medicare plan.

  You may qualify for this program if you:

  • Are an Indiana resident
  • Are at least 65 years old
  • Are single and have an annual income of $18,060 or less, or are married with an income of $24,276 or less
  • Are enrolled in Medicare Part D
  • Have applied for Medicare Extra Help

  Indiana Drug Card

  Residents of Indiana can take advantage of the Indiana Drug Card to save up to 75 percent off at more than 68,000 pharmacies nationwide including CVS, Walmart and more. The card is pre-activated, can be used immediately and can even be shared among friends and family members.

Iowa

• Iowa Drug Card

  Iowa Drug Card is a program in which Iowa residents can print free discount prescription coupons up to 75 percent in savings at more than 68,000 pharmacies. To start saving, follow the link above.

Kansas

• Kansas Drug Card

  Kansas residents have access to a statewide prescription assistance program that can save them up to 75 percent on their prescription medications. To start saving, follow the link above and print, text, email or save your prescription drug card coupon today.

Kentucky

• Kentucky Rx Card

  All Kentucky residents have access to this statewide prescription assistance program, regardless of income. To take part in this program, simply visit the Kentucky Rx Card website and print your free discount prescription drug card coupon. This coupon can be used at more than 68,000 pharmacies nationwide, including Walgreens, Walmart, CVS and Kroger.

  Kentucky Prescription Assistance Program (KPAP)

  This program helps qualifying Kentucky residents locate free or reduced-cost prescription drugs. Eligibility is largely based on income — individuals with annual incomes from 200 percent to 400 percent of the federal poverty level may qualify. Senior citizens in the Medicare doughnut hole may also be eligible.

Louisiana

• Louisiana Health Access Program (LA HAP)

  This program provides access to medications for people living with HIV. To be eligible for LA HAP, you must meet all of the following requirements:

  • You must be a permanent Louisiana resident
  • You must be HIV positive
  • You must have a documented household income at or below 400 percent federal poverty level
  • You must not be eligible to receive full Medicaid

Maine

• Maine Low Cost Drugs for the Elderly or Disabled Program

  This program pays 80 percent minus $2 of the cost of generic prescriptions and some brand-name prescriptions.

  Any other prescriptions deemed medically necessary may be covered in different amounts.

  There is a Catastrophic Spending Limit. After you pay $1,000 in eligible prescriptions, the program will then pay 80 percent of all eligible prescriptions.

  If you have other prescription drug coverage, that program must pay first.

  To qualify for this program, you must:

  • Be a Maine resident
  • Have an income no more than 175 percent of the Federal Poverty Level (if you spend 40 percent or more of your income on prescription drugs, this income limit can increase)
  • Be at least 62 years old or be at least 19 years old and qualify for Social Security Disability Income

Maryland

• Maryland Senior Prescription Drug Assistance Program (SPDAP)

  Maryland SPDAD is a program that pays up to $40 a month for Medicare Rx prescription drug plan premiums.

  To qualify, you must:

  • Be a Maryland resident
  • Be enrolled in Medicare
  • Be eligible for prescription drug subsidies
  • Have income no more than 300 percent of the Federal Poverty Line
  • Have no other prescription drug benefits
  • Not be eligible for full federal extra help with MedicareRx coverage (Low Income Subsidy)

  Maryland Kidney Disease Program

  This program reimburses approved services directly related to end-stage renal disease (ESRD), such as:

  • Chronic maintenance in-center and home dialysis
  • Renal transplantation
  • Approved inpatient and/or outpatient hospital care
  • Physician fees
  • Lab tests

  The program is for patients who are on chronic maintenance dialysis or have received a renal transplant and meet the eligibility requirements. If you are enrolled in Medicare, the program pays AFTER Medicare pays.

  You may be eligible for the Maryland Kidney Disease Program if you meet the following requirements:

  • You are a Maryland resident
  • You are a US citizen or lawful permanent resident of Maryland
  • You are diagnosed with ESRD
  • You are receiving home dialysis or treatment in a certified dialysis or transplant facility

Massachusetts

• Massachusetts Prescription Advantage

  This is a state-sponsored program designed to help seniors and people with disabilities get lower rates for their prescription drugs.

  With Massachusetts Prescription Advantage, your copays will depend on your income. The program comes with an annual out-of-pocket limit, meaning your copayments will be covered until the end of the year once the limit is reached.

  This program doesn’t cover drugs that are excluded from Medicare coverage, except for benzodiazepines.

  To be eligible, you must:

  • Be a Massachusetts resident
  • Be at least 65 years old, or have a disability and work 40 hours or less a month with an income no more than 188 percent of the Federal Poverty Limit
  • Be enrolled in Medicare Part D if you have Medicare
  • Make no more than 500 percent more than the Federal Poverty Level if you have Medicare

Michigan

• MiRx Card Program

  This free program is available to all Michigan residents who need assistance paying for prescription medications. The discount is good on any prescription drug that the pharmacy stocks and your doctor prescribes. Simply show your MiRx card to a participating pharmacy and the pharmacist will charge the MiRx discounted price for the medication.

Minnesota

• Minnesota Drug Card

  This program provides Minnesota residents access to a free statewide Prescription Assistance Program (PAP) for uninsured and underinsured residents. This program provides up to 75 percent in savings on name brand and generic medications with no eligibility requirements for the program.

Mississippi

• Mississippi Drug Card

  Mississippi residents have access to this free statewide prescription assistance program regardless of income, age or other factors. Simply follow the link and print your free coupon now to start saving on your prescription drugs.

Missouri

• Missouri Rx Plan

  The Missouri Rx Plan works in addition to Medicare Part D plans to pay half of the out-of-pocket costs. This includes deductibles, copays and the coverage gap. It does not pay for premiums.

  To qualify, you must:

  • Be a Missouri resident
  • Be enrolled in a Medicare Part D plan
  • Make no more than $21,660 if you’re single, or $29,140 for a married couple

Montana

• Big Sky Rx Program

  Big Sky Rx (BSRx) helps Montana Medicare recipients pay for Medicare approved prescription drug insurance premiums.

  To be eligible for Big Sky Rx Program, you must:

  • Be a Medicare recipient
  • Be a Montana resident
  • Have an annual income less than $24,120 (single person) or $32,480 (two person household)

Nebraska

• Nebraska Rx Card

  This program is free to all Nebraska residents, even those with insurance. Print a free pre-activated card, locate participating pharmacies, and search drug pricing by clicking the link above.

Nevada

• Nevada Senior Rx

  Senior Rx provides assistance with prescription drug costs associated with the Medicare Part D coverage gap or “donut hole.”

  To be eligible for Senior Rx, you must:

  • Have lived in Nevada for at least one year prior to the date of your application
  • Be enrolled in a Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plan
  • Have an annual income of less than $28,709 if you are single and less than $38,270 if you’re married (in 2017)

  Nevada Disability Rx

  Disability Rx helps pay for Medicare Part D premiums while in the donut hole.

  To qualify, you must:

  • Be eligible for Medicare and enrolled in a Medicare Part D plan
  • Be 18-61 years old at the time of application
  • Be collection long-term Social Security Disability
  • Make no more than $28,119 if you are single, or $37,483 if you’re married
  • Be a Nevada resident
  • Not receive full Medicaid assistance or 100 percent Extra Help from Medicare

New Hampshire

• New Hampshire Rx Card

  New Hampshire residents can print free discount prescription coupons up to 75 percent in savings at more than 68,000 pharmacies. Simply follow the link and print your free coupon now to start saving on your prescription drugs.

  New Hampshire Medication Bridge Program

  This program helps low income individuals access prescription medications, whether uninsured or underinsured. This program only covers long-term medications.

  To be eligible you must:

  • Be a U.S. resident.
  • Not be eligible for any other type of prescription coverage for that particular medication- including: Medicaid, VA, private insurance, etc.
  • Have an annual household income less than 200 percent of the federal poverty level

New Jersey

• New Jersey Senior Gold Prescription Discount Program

  This state-funded prescription program helps seniors and other qualifying individuals pay for prescription drugs.

  To be eligible for Senior Gold Prescription Discount Program, you must:

  • Be a New Jersey resident
  • Be 65 years or older, or 18 years or older and receiving Social Security Title II Disability Benefits
  • Be enrolled in a Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plan (if you are a Medicare recipient)

  New Jersey Pharmaceutical Assistance to the Aged and Disabled

  To be eligible for assistance through Pharmaceutical Assistance to the Aged and Disabled, you must:

  • Be a New Jersey resident
  • Be 65 years or older or 18 years or older and receiving Social Security Title II Disability benefits
  • Have an annual income of less than $26,655 if you are single or less than $32,680 if you’re married (in 2017).
  • Be enrolled in a Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plan in New Jersey

New Mexico

• New Mexico Drug Card

  This program provides New Mexico residents access to a free statewide Prescription Assistance Program (PAP) for uninsured and underinsured residents. All residents are eligible for this program as it provides up to 75 percent in savings on some medications. Simply follow the link and print your free coupon now to start saving on your prescription drugs.

  New Mexico MEDBANK Program

  This program helps New Mexico residents of low to middle income afford brand name prescription medicines.

  Eligibility requirements:

  • You must be a resident of New Mexico. Duration of residency is not a factor. Newcomers to the state can participate in the program
  • You must be in the low to middle income bracket
  • You must have no insurance coverage or be underinsured
  • Prescription medications must be needed to treat conditions that are long term, such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s disease, COPD, Osteoporosis or Kidney disease
  • You must not be eligible for, or currently enrolled, in another prescription medication assistance program (An exception are applicants who have reached the cap on their insurance for prescription drugs)
  • Cooperation from your doctor is needed in order to sign appropriate paperwork, write prescriptions, and often, to receive the medication for the eligible individual

New York

• New York Rx Card

  With the New York Rx Card program, New York residents can print free discount prescription coupons up to 75 percent in savings at more than 68,000 pharmacies. Simply follow the link and print your free coupon now to start saving on your prescription drugs.

  New York Elderly Pharmaceutical Insurance Coverage (EPIC)

  This program is administered by the NY Department of Health and helps income-eligible seniors supplement their Medicare Part D costs. There are two EPIC plans that Medicare beneficiaries may qualify for based on their income:

  1. The Fee Plan is for Medicare beneficiaries who have an annual income of less than $20,000 (single) or less than $26,000 (married)
  2. The Deductible Plan is for Medicare beneficiaries with incomes ranging from $20,001 to $75,000 (single) or $26,000 to $100,000 (married)

  In addition to the income requirements listed above, the eligibility requirements for EPIC are as follows:

  • You must be a resident of New York State
  • You must be age 65 or older
  • You must be enrolled in a Medicare Part D plan
  • You must not be receiving full Medicaid benefits

North Carolina

• North Carolina Drug Card

  This program provides North Carolina residents access to a free statewide Prescription Assistance Program (PAP) for uninsured and underinsured residents. All residents are eligible for this program — simply follow the link and print your free coupon now to start saving on your prescription drugs.

  North Carolina Medication Assistance Program (MAP)

  This program makes prescription drugs available to uninsured, low-income individuals through participating pharmaceutical manufacturers.

North Dakota

• North Dakota Rx Card

  North Dakota residents have access to a Prescription Assistance Program in which residents can print free discount prescription coupons up to 75 percent in savings at more than 68,000 pharmacies. Simply follow the link and print your free coupon now to start saving on your prescription drugs.

  North Dakota Prescription Connection

  North Dakota Insurance Department has a program called Prescription Connection which provides access to people of all ages with free or discounted prescription drugs.

  Eligibility requirements:

  • You must be a North Dakota resident
  • You do not qualify for any state assistance programs for prescription drugs
  • You have low income and/or you have financial challenges affording your prescriptions

Ohio

• Ohio Best Rx

  Ohio’s Best Rx is available to all Ohio residents without restrictions for savings on prescription medications. The program is accepted at 60,000+ pharmacies, this website can be used to register a card, find a pharmacy closest to you and compare the prices.

Oklahoma

• Oklahoma Rx

  Oklahoma Rx provides financial assistance for prescription medications for uninsured, underinsured, or low income families.

  Eligibility includes: Oklahoma residents, regardless of age, who are uninsured, underinsured or at or below the federal poverty line. Medicare Part D and Medicaid beneficiaries with unique circumstances may also qualify.

  Oklahoma Drug Card

  This program provides Oklahoma residents access to a free statewide Prescription Assistance Program for uninsured and underinsured residents. All residents are eligible for this program. Just follow the link and print your free coupon now to start saving on your prescription drugs.

Oregon

• Oregon Prescription Drug Program

  OPDP is a free prescription discount card program that does not have any age or income limits. Save 80 percent on generic drugs approved by the FDA and prescribed by a licensed clinician. This program is targeted towards underinsured Oregon residents.

Pennsylvania

• Pennsylvania Special Pharmaceutical Benefits Program

  This program is comprised of two parts: the HIV/AIDS benefit and the Mental Health benefit.

  Each part helps pay prescription drug costs and some lab services for low income individuals after other third party benefits have paid.

  To qualify for either benefit, you must:

  • Make an income of no more than $58,850 individually or $58,850 plus $20,800 per each additional family member
  • Be a Pennsylvania resident

  Additionally, to qualify for HIV/AIDS benefits, you must have a medical need for at least one HIV/AIDS antiretroviral medication. To qualify for Mental Health benefits, you must be diagnosed with schizophrenia.

  Pennsylvania Pharmaceutical Assistance Contract for the Elderly (PACE)

  PACE offers low-cost prescription medications to qualified residents who are age 65 years or older.

  To be eligible for PACE, you must:

  • Be a Pennsylvania resident for at least 90 days prior to the date of the application
  • Be age 65 or older
  • Have an annual income of less than $14,500 if you’re single
  • Have a combined annual income of less than $17,700 if you’re married
  • Not be enrolled in the Department of Human Service’s Medicaid prescription benefit

  If you have a higher income than those listed above, you may qualify for Pennsylvania PACE Needs Enhancement Tier (PACENET).

  Pennsylvania Chronic Renal Disease Program (CRDP)

  This CRDP helps pay for costs related to medications, home dialysis supplies and more.

  To qualify for CRDP, you must:

  • Have end-stage renal disease
  • Have been a PA resident for at least 90 days before the date on your application
  • Be a U.S. citizen or legal U.S. resident
  • Have an annual income that falls within the guidelines of the PA Department of Health

Rhode Island

• Rhode Island Pharmaceutical Assistance to the Elderly (RIPAE)

  This program is designed to help pay for the Medicare Part D deductible and the “donut hole.”

  You may qualify for RIPAE if you:

  • Are a Rhode Island resident
  • Are at least 65 years old or are 55-64 and have a disability
  • Are enrolled in Medicare Part D
  • Meet the income requirements

  The level of assistance depends on your income, your marital status and whether you are over 65 or 55-64 with a disability.

South Carolina

• South Carolina Drug Card

  This program provides South Carolina residents access to a free statewide Prescription Assistance Program (PAP) for uninsured and underinsured residents. All residents are eligible for this program as it provides up to 75 percent in savings on some medications. Simply follow the link and print your free coupon now to start saving on your prescription drugs.

  South Carolina Welvista

  Welvista provides those who are uninsured and unable to afford prescription medicine with means to do so at no cost to the individual.

  Qualifications for this program:

  • You must be uninsured
  • You must live in South Carolina
  • You must provide proof of income for each income-earning person in your home

South Dakota

• South Dakota Rx Card

  South Dakota residents have access to a Prescription Assistance Program in which residents can print free discount prescription coupons up to 75 percent in savings at more than 68,000 pharmacies. Simply follow the link and print your free coupon now to start saving on your prescription drugs.

Tennessee

• Tennessee CoverRx

  CoverRx is a prescription drug program intended to provide assistance to individuals who are uninsured and are unable to pay for prescription drugs. CoverRx focuses primarily on generic medications, and some name brand insulin and mental health drugs.

  Only individuals ages 19-64 who are below the federal poverty level are eligible for these benefits

  Tennessee Drug Card

  This program provides Tennessee residents access to a free statewide Prescription Assistance Program (PAP) for uninsured and underinsured residents. All residents are eligible for this program as it provides up to 75 percent in savings on some medications. Simply follow the link and print your free coupon now to start saving on your prescription drugs.

Texas

• Texas Kidney Health Care (KHC)

  This program offers support to those with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). With KHC, you may get help paying for:

  • Dialysis treatments
  • Access surgery
  • Drugs
  • Travel expenses related to health care visits
  • Medicare premiums

  The KHC program is open to those who:

  • Live in Texas
  • Make less than $60,000 a year
  • Have been diagnosed with ESRD by a licensed physician and meet Medicare’s definition of ESRD
  • Receive regular dialysis treatments or have had a kidney transplant
  • Can’t get medical, drug or travel benefits from Medicaid

Utah

• Utah Drug Card

  Utah residents have access to a Prescription Assistance Program in which residents can print free discount prescription coupons up to 75 percent in savings at more than 68,000 pharmacies. Simply follow the link and print your free coupon now to start saving on your prescription drugs.

Vermont

• Vermont Rx

  Vermont residents can print free discount prescription coupons up to 75 percent in savings at more than 68,000 pharmacies. Simply follow the link and print your free coupon now to start saving on your prescription drugs.

  Healthy Vermonters and VPharm

  These are two similar programs that offer Vermont residents assistance with their prescription medication costs.

  VPharm makes it easier to pay for prescriptions by offering affordable monthly premiums, while Healthy Vermonters offers prescriptions.

  To qualify for Health Vermonters, you must:

  • Meet the income requirements listed on their website
  • Have no prescription drug coverage or have reached the maximum benefit on your current prescription drug coverage

  To qualify for VPharm, you must:

  • Meet the income requirements listed on the website
  • Be enrolled in Medicare Part D
  • Have a qualifying disability

Virginia

• Virginia Drug Card

  This free statewide program is available to all Virginia residents. Simply go to the website and print your prescription coupon card to begin saving up to 75 percent on prescription medications.

Washington

• Washington State Health Insurance Pool (WSHIP)

  WSHIP works as a secondary insurance to help pay out-of-pocket costs.

  To qualify, you must:

  • Be a Washington state resident
  • Be enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B
  • Be able to provide proof of rejection from a Medicare Supplemental insurance plan

West Virginia

• West Virginia Rx Card

  West Virginia residents can print free discount prescription coupons up to 75 percent in savings at more than 68,000 pharmacies. Simply follow the link and print your free coupon now to start saving on your prescription drugs.

Wisconsin

• Wisconsin SeniorCare

  This program offers prescription drug assistance for a $30 annual fee. Your coverage is determined by your income.

  SeniorCare requires the following for eligibility:

  • You must be a Wisconsin Resident
  • You must be a U.S. citizen or have qualifying immigrant status
  • You must be at least 65 years old

  Wisconsin Chronic Disease Program (WCDP)

  The WCDP is a state-funded organization that helps members pay for services and supplies that Medicare doesn’t cover. The program is made up of three smaller programs, each focusing on a chronic condition. Those conditions are chronic renal disease, hemophilia and adult cystic fibrosis.

  Each condition-specific program has its own benefits and requirements.

  Chronic Renal Disease Program (CRD)

  This program has the ability to help recipients pay for the following services:

  • Inpatient and outpatient dialysis and transplants
  • Pre-transplant dental exam and X-rays
  • Kidney transplant-related services
  • Some prescription medications
  • Some home supplies
  • Some laboratory and X-ray services

  To qualify for this program, you must:

  • Be a Wisconsin resident
  • Be diagnosed with end-stage renal disease
  • Pay Medicare Part B premiums

  Hemophilia Home Care Program

  Members of this program are able to get blood derivatives and supplies for home infusion with just a $10 copay per product.

  Eligibility requirements:

  • You must be a Wisconsin resident
  • You must be diagnosed with hemophilia by a comprehensive hemophilia treatment center
  • You must formally agree to a maintenance program

  Adult Cystic Fibrosis

  This program offers coverage for the following services:

  • Inpatient and outpatient services directly related to adult cystic fibrosis
  • Some physician services
  • Some laboratory and X-ray services
  • Some prescription medications
  • Some home supplies

  Eligibility requirements:

  • You must be a Wisconsin resident
  • You must be at least 18 years old
  • You must be diagnosed with cystic fibrosis by the medical director of a cystic fibrosis treatment center

Wyoming

• Wyoming Rx Card

  Wyoming residents have access to a Prescription Assistance Program in which residents can print free discount prescription coupons up to 75 percent in savings at more than 68,000 pharmacies. Simply follow the link and print your free coupon now to start saving on your prescription drugs.

  Wyoming Prescription Drug Assistance Program (PDAP)

  This program provides eligible individuals with three prescriptions per month when they pay $10 for generics and $25 co-pay for name brands.

  Eligibility requirements:

  • Income guidelines are at 100 percent of Federal Poverty Level (FPL)
  • Individual monthly income: $902.50
  • Individual yearly Income: $10,830
  • 2 person Household monthly income: $1,214.17
  • 2 person household yearly income: $14,570
  • 3 person Household monthly income: $1,525.83
  • 3 person yearly income: $18,310

  The programs listed above are not Medicare prescription drug plans. Eligibility may vary by program. Discounts are only available at participating pharmacies. Contact your state’s Department of Insurance for more information about programs in your state.