How Does One Apply to No Cost or Low Cost Medication Access Programs?

By: TomHarkenshire Date: Thu, 2 Jul 2009 Time: 2:45 PM

Even in ordinary times, many people find the cost of prescription drugs to be too expensive. However, in these days and times, the situation becomes even worse. More concerning is the fact many of these people do not have any type of health insurance.

Unfortunately, many of these people have illnesses that require medications. But there is a glimmer of hope: several pharmaceutical companies, organizations and large retailers offer free or low cost medication access programs. The web, as always, is an excellent resource towards finding and applying to these programs.

For example, one such pharmaceutical company is Xubex. Their patient assistance program is partnered with some of the leading providers of pharmaceutical care. This program offers all generic medications at a low cost. Moreover, certain people who qualify for their program receive a three month supply of medication for as little as $20.

How can we apply for these programs?

Almost all pharmaceutical companies that offer medication assistance to people who cannot afford them are bound by their own specific policies. In order to get more specific information regarding these assistance programs, it is advised to go to companys website, and if the information cannot be found there, directly contact the company.

After the relevant details of the program are ascertained, the patient needs to get the application forms (normally available online) and fill them. These are then mailed with supporting documents, which must also be filled by the doctor who prescribed the medication. Note that some companies require that the doctor's office fax these forms directly to the company.

The necessary documents include the prescription, and a document demonstrating the financial state of the patient (specifically, his or her inability to afford the medication on their own).

Some companies also allow applying on behalf of other patients; this can be very helpful if one has a sick mother that is simply too ill to apply on her own.

After receiving the application, if approved, patients usually receive the medication within the next 24 hours.

Note that this type of application has to be redone every year along with up-to-date supporting financial documents. After all, it is possible that a patients financial situation has changed for the better and he may no longer be eligible for the program, allowing another, less fortunate patient to take his place.

We take this opportunity to commend these companies who offer hope to those less fortunate. In particular, since these days are tough, and many of these companies are struggling themselves to survive. Truly this is a testament to the generosity of the human spirit.

Tom Harkenshire has been dealing for years with Health Insurance companies. In this article he described No Cost or Low Cost Medication Access Programs. To view many more of his articles that will help you better understand Health Insurance policies and possibly even save you money, visit his site: The Guide To Health.