It’s no secret, prescription prices are going up. How to you continue to budget for everything you need while still being able to afford your medications? Today on the blog we’ll take a look at different savings plans in Washtenaw County and at the state/national level.
Prescription Savings Cards
- AARP Prescription Discount Card is now available for all regardless of AARP membership.
- Ann Arbor Ypsilanti Regional Chamber of Commerce’s A2Y RX Card searches pharmaceutical databases to provide you with savings.
- The MiRx (My Prescription) Card is a prescription drug discount program for Michigan residents who do not have any prescription drug coverage.
- NeedyMeds is a free prescription savings card available to individuals without insurance and to those who decide not to use their insurance.
Price Comparison Websites & Search Engines
- Michigandrugprices.com (this is a program of the Michigan Department of Community Health)
- RxAssist.org
- RxHope
- PhRMA’s Medicine Assistance Tool (MAT) is a search engine designed to help patients, caregivers and health care providers learn more about the resources available through the various biopharmaceutical industry programs.
Savings Programs
- Costco’s Member Prescription Program covers some medications that aren’t covered by insurance plans. They also help with medication for pets. All adults over 18 are eligible, and pets and people under 18 are eligible as dependents.
- Kroger Rx Savings Club
- The Michigan Drug Assistance Program (MIDAP) includes prescription copay/ coinsurance coverage and the Premium Assistance Program.
- Medicare Extra Help provides assistance paying for monthly premiums, annual deductibles, and co-payments related to Medicare Part D (prescription drug coverage).
- Walgreen’s Prescription Savings Plan
- Walmart’s RX for Less program is open to Walmart+ members who are past their free trial period (Walmart also offers $4 prescriptions for certain medications).
Programs from Drug Makers
- Not sure who manufactures your medication? Search the National Library of Medicine’s medication page.
- Humana Drug Discount Plan can help clients obtain discounts on medicines that aren’t covered on their plans.
- Lilly Cares Foundation is a nonprofit charitable organization that provides prescribed Lilly medications for free for up to 12 months to qualifying U.S. patients.
- myAbbVie Assist is a patient assistance programs intended for people that live in the United States, have limited or no health insurance coverage and demonstrate qualifying financial need.
- Pfizer RxPathways connects eligible patients to a range of assistance programs that offer insurance support, co-pay help, and medicines for free or at a savings.
Agencies offering Prescription Assistance
- The Health Well Foundation is a non-profit, charitable organization for improving access to care for America’s under-insured. Assists with co-pays, premiums, deductibles, and out of pocket expenses including travel.
- Hope clinic offers limited financial help for prescription co-pays or help with other emergency financial needs.
- Michigan Parkinson Foundation can assist people (financially qualified) with Parkinson’s disease obtain some relief for PD medication cost (only certain medications apply).
- Packard Health offers assistance with obtaining medication.
- The Washtenaw County Health Plan (WHP) includes a discount prescription drug program for County residents of all ages who have limited, exhausted, or no prescription drug coverage.
Free/Low-Cost Medical Equipment (please note that COVID may affect medical loan closets’ hours. Be sure to call ahead!)
- American Legion Saline has a medical loan closet.
- Ann Arbor Center for Independent Living has a medical equipment loan closet.
- ATXchange.org is a nonprofit, Michigan-based web site where people can buy, sell or give away Assistive Technology.
- Emmanuel Lutheran Church has a medical equipment loan closet (must call or email in advance for equipment).
- Faith in Action in Chelsea has donated durable medical equipment available to anyone who needs it on an as-needed basis.
- Lions Hearing Center of Michigan provides low-cost hearing aids. Hearing aids range from $100-$700.
- Michigan CPAP Bank has a variety of machines and accessories available to people who qualify for them.
- Open Arms Lutheran Church receives donations of new or gently used medical supplies to be shared with the community. Items are distributed free of charge.
- Northfield Township Senior Center has a medical loan closet on a limited basis due to staffing. Please call (734) 449-2295 for more information.
- Paws with a Cause helps with acquiring a custom-trained assistance dog ($25 application fee).
- United Cerebral Palsy of Michigan’s Assistive Technology Loan Fund provides low interest loans for the purchase of assistive technology.
- World Medical Relief’s Durable Medical Equipment Program enables low-income clients to obtain items such as canes, walkers, hospital beds, over-the-bed tables and tub benches.
For more information, talk to your doctor or pharmacist and visit the Ahead of the Curve Senior Resource Directory for prescription assistance in your community.
