How to Pay for Asthma Medication
Asthma can be a costly disease to treat, and because there is no cure, the expense is ongoing. People with even moderate asthma often need at least three drugs, according to the Asthma & Allergy Foundation of America. There are now several asthma medication assistance programs to help asthma sufferers pay for medication.Things You'll Need
- Pencil & paper
- Income documents/Pay stubs
- Telephone/Computer
Instructions
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Determine Your Need
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1
Make a list of your current asthma medications. Write down the names and strengths. For example, Advair 50/250.
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2
Make a list of the drug manufacturers. Look on the asthma medication drug labels or boxes to find the manufacturer of the drug. For instance, Advair is made by GlaxoSmithKline and Symbicort is manufactured by AstraZeneca.
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3
Group your drugs by manufacturer.
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4
Calculate your income. Most asthma medication assistance programs will ask for monthly income, so have this information ready before you call. Most will ask for pay stubs or other payment verification. Most drug companies offer assistance to those who make $30,000 a year or less, or a family of four making $60,000 or less.
Contact Manufacturers
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5
Contact individual manufacturers. Many drug manufacturers have websites and phone numbers set up for asthma medication assistance programs.
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6
Contact your doctor. You doctor will need to write a new prescription that will go directly to the drug manufacturers. In addition, your doctor may need to write a letter stating that you need this medication and cannot afford it.
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Contact Partnership for Prescription Assistance. If you have asthma medication from several different drug manufacturers, it may be helpful to use a program. Partnership for Prescription Assistance is a clearinghouse that is a single point of access to more than 475 public and private programs, including nearly 200 offered by pharmaceutical companies.
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Request free samples from your doctor or health care provider. If you are in immediate need and cannot afford asthma medication, contact your physician.
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