MAIN UPDATE

For Your Information: Can’t Afford Your Prescription Drugs?

Skipping medicines or not filling prescriptions is usually unnecessary and can be dangerous. Here are some ways that you can get free or low-cost prescription drugs:

1. MaineCare: MaineCare provides health care coverage, including prescription drugs for certain groups of people with low income and limited assets. You can apply for MaineCare at your local office of the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).


2. Low Cost Drug Program: This program, also known as DEL, provides drug coverage to people with low income who are not enrolled in MaineCare. If you are disabled or at least 62 years old, apply for the Low Cost Drug Program for the Elderly and Disabled at your local DHHS office.


3. Medicare Part D: If you have Medicare, be sure to apply for help through one of the Medicare Savings Programs. These programs will pay for your Part D premiums, co-pays, and the “donut hole.” You can apply at your local DHHS office.


4. Care Partners Med Access: CarePartners Med Access is a free state-wide prescription drug safety-net program. It is for people who don’t qualify for help from other public and private coverage programs. Their incomes must be below 175% of the federal poverty level. This amounts to about $18,950 a year for an individual. Med Access helps people access free or reduced-cost medications. Call Care Partners Med Access at 1-877-275-1787, and then choose option #2.


5. Prescription Assistance Program: Free prescription drugs are sometimes available from drug companies. You can get help applying by contacting a community-based prescription assistance program. Get a list of programs in your area. If you do not have access to the internet, talk with your doctor. They can either help you apply or refer you to someone who can help. You can also talk to your doctor about free samples of the drug you need while you wait for approval from the drug company.


6. Local Health Centers: Check with your local Community Health Center for health care and prescription drugs available on a sliding fee scale. Call the Maine Primary Care Association at (207) 621-0677 to find the center nearest to you. Get a list of clinics providing free assistance.


7. TRICARE: Military retirees, and some family members or former spouses age 65 and older may be eligible for two programs provided by the Department of Defense. These are TRICARE for Life and the TRICARE Senior Pharmacy Program. For more information and eligibility requirements for these programs, contact Sierra Military Health Services (the Northeast Regional Contractor) toll free at 1-888-999-5195.


8. Veterans Benefits: CHAMPVA is a health care benefits program through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Low-cost prescription drugs are available to both the veteran and members of the veteran’s family. The spouse or widow(er) and children of a veteran may be covered if the veteran is rated permanently and totally disabled due to a service-connected disability; was rated permanently and totally disabled due to a service-connected condition at the time of death; died of a service connected disability; or died on active duty.


9. $4 Generics: Another way to save on prescriptions is by switching to a generic drug. Generic medications are usually much cheaper than “brand name” drugs and may make it easier to find discounts. Many big retail store pharmacies, grocery stores, and department stores have started providing many generic medications for only $4, regardless of your income or insurance status. Smaller, local pharmacies sometimes have generous discount programs as well. It’s a good idea to call the pharmacies nearest you to ask about any discount programs that they offer!


10. General Assistance: Every town in Maine is required by law to provide basic necessities to people in town who meet certain financial guidelines. This help includes payment for prescription drugs. You can apply for General Assistance at your town office. If you have a problem applying for GA, call the department of Health & Human services at 1-800-442-6003.

MAIN Update Table of Contents | MAIN Home Page | MEJP Home Page