1. Communicate with your doctor. Tell your doctor whether paying for prescription drugs is a problem. Feel free to ask whether a generic medicine can be used instead of a brand-name drug or whether there is a similar drug that is less expensive. Some doctors might even have free samples of brand-name drugs. However, this usually is a temporary fix because there is a limited time or amount that a physician can provide free samples.

 

2. Consider other options. Ask your doctor about generic, another brand of the drug that may cost less, and nonprescription options. Generic drugs have the same active ingredients and effects as brand-name drugs, but they can cost 30 percent to 80 percent less. You can also ask your doctor whether he could prescribe a higher dose of your medication that you would take fewer times. Higher-strength tablets are not much more expensive than lower-dose tablets.

 

3. Check to see whether you are eligible for drug assistance programs in your state. We list some of those programs at the end of the article.

 

4. Check with pharmaceutical companies that manufacture your medicine to find out whether you qualify for assistance programs. Several companies offer programs that allow consumers to take a discount drug card to the pharmacy to get a discount off of the price of prescription drugs. Also, most major pharmaceutical companies offer free or low-cost medicines to people in need.

 

5. Find out whether you qualify for Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage. Medicare Part D is a plan that covers all medically necessary treatments, will pay for brand-name and generic drugs, and will enable beneficiaries to get prescriptions at a pharmacy or through mail order. Usually to be eligible you must be over 65 years old or have certain disabilities. For more information visit www.medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE, 1-800-633-4227.

 

6. Do some research. You can also search on legitimate online pharmacies for the best prices on prescription drugs. But be careful. The FDA recommends purchasing only from state-licensed pharmacies that are located in the United States. Consumer Reports Best Buy Drugs is a website that provides information about costs for medication and their effects.

 

 

 

The following are local programs that help you get affordable prescriptions:

 

National Association of Counties (NACo)  

Provides a free prescription discount card for Wake County residents who are uninsured or underinsured. You can save money on prescription medications that are not covered under a traditional plan, as well as some on diabetic supplies. 

 

This is NOT a form of insurance. 

 

These cards can be found at Wake County locations such as public libraries or the Human Services buildings. If you would like to print your card you can access it here.

 

For more information call (202) 942-4221 or (202) 942-4291.

 

Helps people in Wake County purchase prescription medications that they need but do not have the money to buy.

FIGS helps people with special needs, including children, the elderly, those without a home, and those with chronic illnesses and mental or physical disabilities.

 

Each month, FIGS works with the Wake County Social Services and Urban Ministries of Raleigh. If you are in need of assistance, please contact those agencies.

 

Wake County Human Services

220 Swineburne Street

Raleigh, NC 27620

Phone: (919) 212-7000

 

Urban Ministries

840 Semart Drive

Raleigh, NC 27610

Phone: (919) 834-4707

 

 

Some national prescription programs that offer free trial drugs, discounted medications, and affordable prescription programs. The following are a few examples: