The Best Companies for Free Meds

Prescription drugs can be expensive. If you need medication but can't afford it, this could be a problem. Luckily, some pharmaceutical companies understand that many people lack health insurance. They have responded with programs that provide free drugs to people who meet certain guidelines.

Abbott Patient Care Assistance Program

• The Abbott Patient Care Assistance Program is for people who lack access to health insurance that covers their medications. The program covers Abbott medications such as Depakote and Synthroid and diabetes care products such as a glucose monitor and glucose strips.

  To apply you must complete an application and be income eligible. A Medicaid denial letter may be required. Once you are approved for the program, enrollment lasts for one year, at which time you must reapply. Medications are shipped in a 90-day supply to your physician. The doctor's office is responsible for calling for refills.

  Abbott Patient Care Assistance Program
  P.O. Box 270
  Somerville, NJ 08876
  800-222-6885
  abbottpatientassistancefoundation.org

AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals - AZ & Me

• For AstraZeneca's program, eligibility includes meeting guidelines for gross family income. For a single person, the income limit is $30,000; for a family of two, $40,000; three, $50,000; four, $60,000; and five, $70,000. You must also be a U.S. citizen or have a green card or visa work card.

  To apply, you must complete an application, have it signed by your physician and provide your prescription. The application may be faxed. You must reapply each year. AstraZeneca will ship a 90-day supply of your medication. You can order refills online or by phone.

  AstraZeneca - AZ & Me
  P.O. Box 66551
  St. Louis, MO 63166-6551
  800-424-3727
  astrazeneca-us.com

Merck Patient Assistance Program

• To be eligible for the Merck Patient Assistance Program, you must not have access to health insurance. You must meet income guidelines, which as of June 2010 are $43,320 for singles, $58,280 for couples and $88,200 for a family of four. The program makes allowances for special circumstances if your income exceeds the limits.

  To apply for this program, you must complete an application form. You must reapply every 12 months. Medications can be shipped to your physician or to you. It takes about three weeks to receive your medications. Refills can be ordered by phone.

  Merck Patient Assistance Program
  P.O. Box 690
  Horsham, PA 19044-9979
  800-727-5400
  merck.com