Prescription Aid Programs

Programs that provide free or discounted drugs are available to those who cannot afford prescription medications. Some drug companies offer their own prescription aid programs, and many state governments have pharmaceutical assistance programs. State programs are generally aimed at elderly or disabled people who do not qualify for Medicaid.

State Pharmaceutical Assistance Programs

• More than half of the states in the United States have some type of program that assists the state's citizens with purchasing medication, as of 2010. The goals of these programs are to pick up where Medicaid and Medicare leave off or to assist individuals who do not qualify for federal programs. The state subsidy programs use state funds to pay for some of the costs of the drugs, and generally individuals must qualify for these benefits. Discount drug cards are also available in some states, allowing individuals to purchase drugs at a cheaper rate. State programs and eligibility vary by state.

AZ&Me Prescription Savings Program

• AstraZeneca offers a prescription aid program for its drugs to individuals with Medicare Part D, those without insurance and to some health care facilities. To be eligible, individuals can earn only up to $30,000 per year, and a family of four can earn only up to $60,000 per year, as of 2010. Eligible individuals receive the drugs for free, and there is also no fee to sign up for the program. Applicants must fill out an application and provide some financial information to prove that the individual or family meets the low-income requirements.

  Some health-care facilities may also be eligible for these free drugs, especially if they service a predominantly low-income area. To be eligible, facilities must be one of the following: a community health center, free clinic, share hospital, charitable pharmacy or central fill pharmacy.

  AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals LP

  1800 Concord Pike

  P.O. Box 15437

  Wilmington, DE 19850-5437

  800-236-9933

  astrazeneca-us.com

Merck Patient Assistance Program

• This program provides free Merck prescription medications to individuals who have no insurance and cannot afford their medication. Some individuals with insurance may also qualify if they have a special circumstance that causes financial hardship. Eligible applicants receive up to one year of free medication, and they may reapply when benefits run out. Applicants may fill out the application online or download it and send it to the company. A physician or other provider must fill out a portion of the application.

  Merck Patient Assistance Program

  P.O. Box 690

  Horsham, PA 19044-9979

  800-727-5400

  merck.com