Immediate Prescription Assistance

Updated on April 22, 2008
T.S. asks from Hamilton, OH
64 answers

I am looking for anyone who can help or has ideas that might help. My grandma went to pick up her prescriptions this evening and was told she is no longer covered on grandpas insurance from his work. She called insur. and they confirmed. She has multiple health conditions and cannot afford the $700 for her scripts the pharmacy wanted to charge her. She is deathly afraid because she does not have any medications for tomorrow and to be honest I'm worried bout her. Her blood pressure is through the roof with stress and worry. I am going to attempt to get her medicaid, but that usually takes a while. The meds that I'm looking for assistance with are name brand(generic)Plavix(clopidogrel), Prinivil(lisonopril), Humulin(insulin), Lovastatin, Percocet(oxycodone.) Any ideas or help will be greatly appreciated. Thanks so much.

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So What Happened?

I just wanted to Thank EVERYONE for all your ideas and support. Found out her husbands work had actually switched insurance companies and didn't add her on. She got that taken care of but still had to pay over $100 for her meds. I am still goin to make her fill paperwork out and apply for medicaid. She is not old enough for medicare yet. She has been denied for Social Security. We don't understand why. She has only 1 lung, CHF, diabetes and has had multiple strokes and is unable to even move her right arm. She even had a lawyer try to get it approved for her and nothing. I just don't get the system. She can't work, she barely can get around. I hope that medicaid will at least qualify. Again thanks for everything. Also, thank you all for the nice thoughts re: my son. Yes, he's been through quite a bit and seems always something new, but he is a very strong and is a happy outgoing little boy otherwise. THANKS.

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B.L.

answers from Lima on

Go online typing in free prescription drugs. There are several sites that will come up. Also ask her dr for samples to get her thru

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S.K.

answers from South Bend on

My gram could not afford some prescriptions her doctor prescribed at the time. Maybe if she could explain her situation to her doctor (if he is a good doctor) he could give her "samples" to hold her over till Medicaid kicks in. My grams doctor was very sympathetic and knew she needed them. He had her stop by the office desk where he had a bag of samples to get her by. ITs worth a shot

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T.M.

answers from Terre Haute on

Often times the actual pharmaceutical company that make the meds will help out. You might contact them. Also, call her doc and ask about sample meds. Sometimes they have them and give them to ya for free. Good luck. Shannon G.

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S.

answers from Cincinnati on

Hi T.,
You didn't write for this type of advise, but I was so touched when I read all of the issues Braden is dealing with. The quick and dirty advise is - get immune system in tip-top shape and I'd bet many of his challenges would go away. I have read of amazing things happening with nutrition (wouldn't hurt for your grandma, either). Bless you for helping her.

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S.L.

answers from Indianapolis on

Get a 3 day emergency supply; you can usually do it again in 3 days, though you'll have issues with that on the insulin. Call the doctors office and explain your situation, they should be able to get you samples of almost everything to tide you over. I have had issues with my sons insurance and they always give me a bag full of samples to get us through until things get worked out.

Go directly to the nearest Medicaid office and get started on the paperwork. Medicaid is retroactive 3 months, so whatever you pay out of pocket now will get reimbursed, including doctors visits. If she is a longtime patient with the same doctor they might even hold off on the billing, as my sons doctor will (my doctor is in the same practice as his pediatrician and has been my doc for 20 years)and you can call them later and have them bill Medicaid instead.

Lisinopril does have a generic available, and its kind of an older drug so you should be able to get the generic pretty cheap. The insulin will be the most difficult, and though there's only one I recognize to have a generic available it doesn't mean there haven't been some that have recently become generic equivalents (I haven't worked at a pharmacy for about 3 years now). Very few people ever need brand name medically necessary drugs, and of those they are almost always seizure meds.

Talk to her doctor, get an emergency supply, and get over to Medicaid, thats where you start

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C.B.

answers from Lafayette on

walmart & kroger now have prescriptions that cost 4.00 for generics, if her doc can give the same thing that is generic then that will save her alot of money. also astra venica is a company that helps people get their meds at little or no cost, it's for meds that are a neccessity only, so if she has pain medicine it won't cover it, it's for things like heart, bp meds things like that. good luck.

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M.M.

answers from Cleveland on

I just wanted to say how sorry I am. That is absolutely terrible. I am over this countries health insurance problems. I wish I had suggestions for you. I woudl try medicade, what about that commercial that Montel Williams does for people who lost their insurance. Or there is always Canada? Best of luck to you and your grandma.

M.

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S.L.

answers from Cincinnati on

Call her Doctor and ask for samples- Lisonpril is genric as is her statin- they should be @ $4.00 now at Kroger, Wal-mart etc. There is generic Percocet like drug available too. Plavix is pricey, but it works. I am not sure about the insulin. I am a drug rep (In the neuro/psych arena)and we provide samples to Doctors, and nurse practitioners just for the reason stated- patients loose insurance, or they should try a drug before the investment in a 30 day Rx in case of adverse events etc. Her doc should have samples for plavix and humilin to get her thru until a patient assistance program kicks in, or medicaid/medicare can provide for her. I am unsure how an insurance company can stop service w/o a letter of information telling her she has been terminated unless the premiums were not paid. That being said, it might be difficult to get private insurance for her now because her conditions would be considered pre-existing. You need to be insured with a new company for a year before they cover certain meds (with exceptions like pregnancy, which is obviously not an issue for you) I am not sure where you live but most catholic hospitals offer clincs of some sort with nominal cost for treatment. In the long run it is less expensive to try to maintain her meds then to stop them and end up in the ER or worse-extremely pricey. Look up the drug company's website and they should have links to patient assistance programs listed on their page, or just type in the drug name like plavix.com and it should bring you the necessary info. PAP's do take 6-8 weeks to kick in and the perscriptions are usually sent to the doc to be "doled" out to the patient. Also look up www.togetherrx.com its a site that offers 20-40% off retail for Rxs from particepating companys once you register and meet the requirements (like 2x poverty level which would be @ 30K or less per year income) Hope this helps you, feel free to email me if I can be of any more help.

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D.A.

answers from Cleveland on

First call your grandma's City Center on Aging/Senior Services, call City Hall for the Number. Tell them you need to meet w/ someone now. Call A.A.R.P. also and tell them what you need.

Ask the Drug Store for help finding an answer. Some drug stores are offering $4.00 generic drugs for this very reason. If yours doesn't then call others.

Call your local hospital and ask for the Social Work Dept. Tell them the situation and someone should give you a lot of help.

Try these. I am a social worker. This is the way I would link your Grandma to services. If you live by Cleveland go to Metro general Hospital and have someone direct you to the dept. you need. They have a prescription program on a sliding fee scale, meaning they adjust the price of prescriptions by looking at your Grandma's monthly income.

All the best. I hope this helps the two of you. Your Grandma is lucky to have you!

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J.M.

answers from Elkhart on

I agree with all the advice you have already gotten. Might I suggest calling her family doctor? they have samples, coupons for free meds, and at times they can help you enroll in a prescription assistance program. and Isn't there the one that Montell williams promotes that you call an 800 number and they can tell you if you can get the manufacturer to help you or whatever?
She also needs to find out why the insurance company is no longer covering her. they are supposed to give you written notice about when and why the are discontinuing coverage.

Good luck.

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M.H.

answers from Cincinnati on

Try calling a few local places that help people w/ prescriptions and doctor bills. Sometimes churches and other organizations will pay for part of the prescription (just like they would help someone with rent or food). Check w/ a local senior citizen center if you don't know of anyone.

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M.C.

answers from Cleveland on

My heart goes out to you about your son. You are awesome!!! Do you have internet access? IF so, Google prescription assistance, you'd be surprized at what pops up. That Montel Williams thing is freemedicinerevolution.com. Also try medco.com, the list goes on and on. She might be able to get free diabetic stuff (Wilford Brimley tv ad)libertymedical.com, or diabetichealthgroup.com (She might need medicare for some of these). As a nurse, I know how frustrating it can be for the elderly to get covered, especially medicare/medicaid coverage. Try some of these, it could help. Good luck.

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R.H.

answers from Bloomington on

I work in the health care field and have some suggestions. The plavix and humulin are available in most doctors offices and are given as samples. Some of the offices also have medication assistance programs that you might want to check into. If I were you I would also call the insurance company and find out what they removed her without warning and why she was removed.

R.

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D.E.

answers from Dayton on

T.,
The first thing I would do is ask the pharmacy for an emergency 5 day supply...they might @ least give you 3 days, but it won't hurt to ask for 5...then in addition to going for medicaid, I would call the drug companies for help, in the meantime, as long as they have paid their premiums, the insurance company cannot just cancel her coverage, I would even call the state insurance commissioner for assistance. Also call her dr to see if he has any samples of any of her particular meds. Many times the drug reps give the docs samples and even if they don't have any, maybe they can get some from the drug rep for her. Good luck, let us know how you do.
Blessings
D.

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K.D.

answers from Toledo on

Hi T., as an RN who works with the geriatric population this can be a very scary situation, Is your grandma old enough to be eligible for Medicare? This would be independent of her husbands insurance..
There is something called medicare Part D that pays for the Rx of people without coverage from other insurance. She will have to contact the medicare office in her state/city to find out about this. In the meantime, she could check at places like Walgreens, Kmart or some place like this with a pharmacy, they now have alot of Rx's that are $4.00, she will have to have the Rx transferred to this location or have her call the Dr. to have new ones called in. the other option, she could call the dr. that prescribed all these medications and see if they have samples to give her until the medicare part D kicks in.

Good luck, I know that this is a tough situation..

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K.L.

answers from Fort Wayne on

You may want to check Meijer and Wal-Mart. I have heard that they are now offering hundreds of medications for $4. This lists should be provided on their websites. I hope this helps.

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S.L.

answers from Cleveland on

For some of the meds you can ask the pharmacist for the name and phone # for the manufacturer and contact them to see if they have an assistance prgram. Some pharmaceutical companies will offer these programs and send you the meds directly at a discounted price based on her income. You will probably need a new script to send in to them. Also, try another pharmacy. I do not know if you have a Giant Eagle or Wal-mart around you, but the ones in my area offer $4 generics for alot of meds. You can also try community based organizations like United Way, Salvation Army, Catholic Charities. I worked as a pharmacy tech about 5 years ago and I would see these charities help out alot of people. Hope this helps!

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V.C.

answers from Cleveland on

Hi!
See if the pharmacy will fill 1/2 of each script for now. Go to Wallmart, they fill generics for a few bucks. Get to the madicaid office ASAP and get the ball rolling on that. Call the Doc and see it there is a cheaper med she can take if she can.
Keep up the great work with your son.
V.

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M.G.

answers from Toledo on

T.: Hey, save her all the side effects with a product that works like magic. It's all natural and costs a little, but very competetively priced. Just email me back if you want more information.

M. G.

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S.F.

answers from Lafayette on

WOW! That is horrible. First thing I would do would be to have your Grandma call her doctor to see if they are willing to give her samples of the drugs she is taking and also to speak with them regarding her need for their assistance in expediting the paperwork for Medicaid.

I will keep her in my prayers. Also, with your son's health issues as well.

Sincerely,
Sandi F.

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L.G.

answers from Lima on

Call the Health Dept. and the local Red Cross. They both help people out with prescriptions and probably can guide you to permanent assistance with it.

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C.B.

answers from Cleveland on

so sorry to hear that she was dropped from the coverage, that is horrible. I would check with the makers of the medications, some offer medications for free or low cost. Also there is a plan in OH for people without health care coverage that will discount the drugs up to 60%. Otherwise I would recommend trying for generics at WalMart or Giant Eagle where they are only $4.00.

Good luck!

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K.T.

answers from Columbus on

I don't know where your grandmother is located or how old she is, but you might try the Central Ohio Area Agency on Aging. I would bet that they can point you in the right direction if they can't help.

Good luck!

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E.

answers from Dayton on

I have my handy dandy list here from my Kroger pharmacy. Kroger offers many $4.00 prescriptions. Lovastatin and Lisonopril are both on it but the others aren't, at least under those names. The list has this website on it: www.kroger.com/generic and a phone number: 1-877-4RX-LIST

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K.Z.

answers from Cleveland on

Hi T.,

Call Grandma's doctor asap and ask for samples (and advice). Can you buy just a few pills from each prescription to get her through the next few days? When you call to try to get her on Medicaid tell them she only has pills for a few days. Call your area agency on aging, community action agency, whatever you can think of. someone should be able to point you in the right direction.

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B.S.

answers from Cleveland on

Try this place: http://www.canadianpharmacymeds.com/
When we were without medical insurance, I used them. They are very cost effective (compared to US prices) and the products are the same. However, be sure to check with your Grandmothers doctor first. Hope this helps~

Smiles,
~ B.
Watkins Associate # 358211
Order online at: www.watkinsonline.com/stone * enter ID# 358211
Visit my blog: http://funfood4u.blogspot.com/
Learn more about us: http://www.tsginfo.com/index.php?rc=BA4743
Hear what others have to say:
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W.B.

answers from Toledo on

Number 1, since you have no idea what to do, I would call a local church. Generally they have a number you can call for assistance like this. Or, do you have a First Call for Help in your town? Those are my two ideas. I work at a church and we get many phone calls about the same thing.

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D.I.

answers from South Bend on

I would start with medicaid sometimes they can rush the paperwork through to get things going sooner. Also, check with medicare and see if she qualifies for it yet. Those would be the two fastest ways I can think of. I would also call your grandpas insurance company and find out exactly why she is no longer covered. As far as I know she can't just be dropped from the insurance without one prior notice and two I believe your grandpa would have to be the one to drop her and I'm sure he did no such thing to his wife. I would look into that and find out the exact reason and then check with both medicaid and medicare. Good luck. Also. I am sorry to hear about all the health issues with your son. I wish you the best in dealing with that as well.

D.

I am 31 and have been married almost 12 yrs. My husband and I have 3 boys ages 10,7 and 4.

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T.M.

answers from Columbus on

It would benefit your grandmother, your son, your family to see natural/herbal doctor. Many allergies are due to toxic substances in our foods or in household products. There are natural foods and herbs that have natural insulin(one is jerusalem artichokes) in them. There is a doctor at Thornport OH on Rt 13; there is an Amishman in Malta, OH.Jonas Yoder. Perhaps Dr. Blaha or Dr. Chan of Trillium health care in Lancaster OH There are good herbal books : Dr. Jethro Kloss's "Back to Eden" and Michael Tierra's "the way of Herbs" and several others. Usana Health Sciences has some very good herb combinations (call ###-###-#### for information. tell them T. M sent you). There is help available.

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M.B.

answers from Lima on

My mother cannot aford all her medicine either. Sometimes the doctors office gives free samples. The drug companies also help many people with free medicine. Sometimes you have to go to a cheaper alternitive medicine. Talk with her doctor about this before you make changes. Been there done that. I also have a comment about your son. Find a chiropractor that treats food allergies with herbs. It may help his whole digestive problem. God bless & good luck with both situations.

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M.H.

answers from Evansville on

I work in a doctor's office and it isn't unusual for us to get requests for samples to tide someone over until they can get prescription coverage. (You won't get samples of narcotics so don't bother trying with the oxycontin.) Contact her doctor's office and also the manufacture of the insulin. They often have programs for those that aren't covered by presctiption coverage. Make sure she is requesting generic as many as possible. Good luck!

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R.W.

answers from Cincinnati on

Although the Plavix isn't on the $4 prescription plan at stores, her doctor can make sure that some of her other meds come off of that list. Target, WalMart, Kroger, and Sams all offer a 30 day supplies of HUNDREDS of medication (including ones for blood pressure and cholesterol) for $4. WalGreens is now offering some meds for $12.99 for a 3 month supply when you join something they offer. I would discuss this with her doctor and check into where she is having them filled.

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M.L.

answers from Columbus on

Call the manufacturers of both the branded product as well as the generic. Some manufacturers will lend assistance. Also ask your doctor. There may be less expensive drugs to cover her condition. Depending on her age, she may be eligiable for Medicare Part D. This requires separate enrollment, but is only done once a year. Check out the following website for details.

http://www.medicareadvocacy.org/FAQ_PartD.htm#whatIsD

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C.W.

answers from Terre Haute on

Try check with any local free clinic. Sometimes they are able to provide the medication. There are some clinics that accept "leftover" meds because someone has had a prescription changed and they don't want to throw the meds away. They figure that someone may need the help. Don't know if that is allowed in your area Also call her doctor and see if he/she has any samples that they could help out with. Pharmacy reps leave samples at the doctor's offices already. If she has to make a decision as to which ones to get first check with the doctor to see if there is a different med that is cheaper. Also check with K-Mart and Wal-Mart-many of their prescriptions are $4 and if the doc can substitute one of those it would help. Don't presume that every one offers the same meds under the program...We have a Kroger store here that I get one med from, my cholesterol is from K-Mart and still a third one is from Wal-Mart. You can contact some of the drug companies and see if they can help.
You never did say why she was no longer covered-who made that decision? There may still be something that she could do if they are still married.

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P.Z.

answers from Cleveland on

Call the prescribing Dr. maybe they can help with an alternate med, or samples, or other ideas

contact the drug company I've noticed that some of them end their commercials w/ a small sentence about asking for assistance if you cannot afford their product

go to Montel Williams website. He has a commercial for drug assistance. i don't remember the name, but I bet it is on his website!
good luck

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D.J.

answers from Columbus on

Hi! I'm the mother of 3 children, ages 10, 7 & almost 5. My 7yr. old has Diabetes Type I and I'm assuming your grandmother is Diabetic because she is taking insulin. You may want to check with the Diabetes Organization in your area to see if they can point you in the right direction for assistance with that medication. As for the others, maybe her doctor has samples he can give her or offer advice of what to do. I'm just worried of the Percocet your grandmother is on because I wonder how well it mixes with the insulin and I know it can become habit forming. Hope I could help!

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S.B.

answers from Elkhart on

"I found this site and I get my perscriptions free.They are NOT like the many sites that "CLAIM" to be free...they are FREE! It does require downloading your application, and you will need your Dr. to help finish the application. Let me add that I have been getting my meds from this site for over a year now...and with MY Personal experience I have found that it is better to FAX "and" SEND in your Application."

The site is www.NeedyMeds.com

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K.H.

answers from Mansfield on

T.,

She has a family doctor, see if she can get some samples to tie her over, and then talk with a nurse to see if there are coupons for discounts at the office for these drugs. Also, you can get on the internet and go to the companies who make these drugs. A lot of them offer assistances to those that can't afford their medications, sometimes they are free or heavily reduced. Also, find out from the nurse at the doctor's office if she can be put on generic of any of these medications. There is savings there. Finally, get in contact with your senior centers in your area to find assistances, just in case she does not qualify for medicaid. There are programs in a lot of communities that can help seniors with their meds. Be careful with medco, doctor's in central ohio have had problems with their patients getting medicines needed.

Sincerely,
K. H. wife of a family physican and mom to 1 son.

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A.P.

answers from Cleveland on

Check out Rx Outreach. My mom does not have prescription coverage either and this has been a God send. They add more medicine frequently that they will cover so if your grandmother's aren't currently covered, keep checking. The prices range from $20, $30 to $40 for a 3 month supply. Here is the website. http://www.rxoutreach.com/padv/PatientInfo.aspx

God Bless!

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T.P.

answers from Canton on

I don't know what city you're in, but you could try Salvation Army and Catholic Charities, area churches.

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M.P.

answers from Youngstown on

T.'

I use to work at a senior center and helped seniors with prescriptions that did not have insurance. I live in Ohio so I'm not sure what state you live in but we had programs that gave them free prescriptions or get online and check about prescription help in your area. Good Luck

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A.P.

answers from Toledo on

I am a veterinarian and have found some ideas that might help at least a little with the costs for your grandma:

1. Sometimes one pharmacy has one drug cheaper than others. At that same pharmacy another drug may be more expensive. You or your grandma should call several pharmacies to get their costs for each medication. It may be cheaper to get one at each different pharmacy. Places like Costco or Sam's club are generally the cheapest if you have a membership.
2. Also, you can check into the $4.00 prescriptions many pharmacies are doing. The lists differ from pharmacy to pharmacy, but there are many drugs on them that may be similar to what your grandmother is taking. She can call her doctor to see if any of the medications on the list would work in a similar method. I personally did this with my prenatal vitamin and am save $16.00 per month. I have also done this for several clients who can't afford a specific medication for their animals.
3. She could ask for the generic form, the generic for Humulin is Novalin, and it will save her several dollars.

I hope some of these ideas help at least a little with the costs.

Good luck! A.

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K.W.

answers from Indianapolis on

Notify her doc!!! They may have some answers for you. Either free samples temporarily or there are drug assistance programs from pharmaceutical companies she may be able to qualify and apply for!!!! Good luck!

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S.F.

answers from Fort Wayne on

In any city there is usually a health clinic that gives out free consults and medications. Usually there's a long line, so you have to arrive very early. In Fort Wayne Indiana there's the Matthew 25 clinic in the downtown area.

Also, call her physician and indicate she lost health coverage and she needs samples until she can get on Medicaid. Indicate it's a severe need and she's afraid she'll have a terrible reaction to not being on the meds. If her doctor isn't available, call your physician or even an ER doctor.

Another option is contacting 211. It's a free call that can give out referrals to doctors, clinics, or really anything. Just tell them what city/state/county grandma's in and they will give you phone numbers.

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M.L.

answers from Cleveland on

Call her physician and explain. They should have both, some samples to give her until she can get some and the numbers to the drug reps. Alolt of the companies will also help out with prescriptions.Her physician should also be able to help with the medicaid ( they like to get paid so they usually help with such things).

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V.O.

answers from Kokomo on

Doesn't her doctor have samples he can give her?? Also your county should have an emergency help fund. The hospital has to treat her also, if she has an emergency situation.
Good luck my dear.

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D.G.

answers from Columbus on

Manufacturers of medications have programs to assist with getting your medications.She needs to get ahold of her Dr. and request assistance. The Generic drugs work just as well as the name brand in 90% of most cases.Maybe her DR. can give her samples until the pharmacy company can get the paper work done. Be sure to get her heart medications and diabetic supplies those are very important.The pain medication probably doesn't work so well anyways and a couple of Aleve would probably work just as well . I take some of the same medications and generic really is okay.

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J.T.

answers from Cleveland on

Getting assistance from the manufacturers is a good place to go... but it can take months before you can start getting meds that way. I work in the mental health field, and as part of my regular job I answer calls for 211, a link and referral service. I'm not sure where your grandma is from but she should be able to find the local 211 number at http://www.211.org/ She also may be able to simply dial 211 to be connected with someone. Each area/county has different resources available for helping people get medicines. Some are one time only, and others are long term. The 211 call center in her area will know what resources are available for her. Hope this helps.

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C.W.

answers from Lafayette on

Talk to her doctor. They get several "samples" of medication so they should be able to help. also contact the companies who manufacture the medicine, most of them have programs to help pay. you might also check into programs the pharmacies have with $4.00 generic meds. Hope this helps and good luck.

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J.S.

answers from Columbus on

Go to www.rxforohio.org to see the Prescription for Ohio free and discounted drug programs for low income families/individuals.

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J.C.

answers from Kokomo on

T. I'm really sorry to hear about what your grandma is going through. Different pharmacies have programs now that sell prescriptions at lower prices. I'm not sure which medicines they are doing but for the one I take(estrogen), the walmart pharmacy has it at a discount price because I don't have insurance. I would talk to your pharmicist and ask them if there is any other pharmacy that is in a program for discounted prescriptions and if any of the meds are on it.

Good Luck

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E.W.

answers from Dayton on

Have you tried F.I.S.H.? I know they will help as much as they are able. I don't have the phone number offhand, but they are listed in the phone book. They are located in Fairborn. United Way also may be able to help.
You can also try Kroger and Meijer. Kroger has MANY commonly prescribed drugs for $4.00 and Meijer has many commonly prescribed drugs for free.
I would also try her Drs. office. They may have enough samples for her to last until medicaid kicks in. At the very least, they should be able to direct you to some organization that can provide emergency assistance.

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K.L.

answers from Indianapolis on

There are many choices now that offer $4:00 generic prescriptions.These are Krogers,Walmart,K-Mart,Target.Also call her dr's and ask for samples.

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J.V.

answers from Columbus on

There are a couple of options. There is the Partnership for Prescription Assistance (website pparx.org). You can also contact the drug companies and sometimes they will offer free or reduced cost medication. While these may take a while to get, the doctor's office may be able to give her samples. I would also suggest contacting a pharmacist or doctor to find out what side effects she may experience if she does not take her medicine. Hope this helps. :)

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K.Y.

answers from Elkhart on

I would go ask the doctor for sure if she needs to be on all of these meds.
As I see you have a special needs kiddo and so do I so we know how expensive all of these things are. I sure hope there is an agency out there that can help provide some assistance. I am not sure what state she lives in.

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B.R.

answers from Columbus on

T.,

Call her doctor right away. They have samples of medicines and if they don't have her exact one, it will be similar and do the same job. Doctors also know which companies are offering prescription help for those that can't afford it. Also, your pharmacist can give you a partial prescription to hold you over and it will be much less or they will just wait and count that quantity towards her Medicaid script when it comes in.

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A.

answers from Indianapolis on

1-888-477-2669 is the number for PPA which is Partnership for Prescription Assistance. You can also go to the websites of the medication....like: www.Plavix.com and sign up for coupons and information. All you need to do is put www. in front of the medication name and end with .com
I would also check with the county hospital were she lives because here in Marion county our hosital offers assistance to its residents.

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J.E.

answers from Toledo on

For immediate help, start with her phamecist. Most pharmecies have a "low cost" list of meds, usually $3-5 for 30 days. Here in NW Ohio, the following all advertise a "low cost" list: Kroeger, Drug Mart, Walmart, K-Mart, and Meijer. Also, you might call her Dr., to see if he/she has any of her meds as samples. Another place to call is your local Senior Center, they can also help get you in the right direction for assistance with meds as well as her other health insurance needs. My prayers are with you both.

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J.F.

answers from Toledo on

T.--

First of all, please relax. This is a very serious situation, and in order for you to be of any assistance to her, you need to be in your clearest state of mind, and not all frazzled. The first thing you should do is to call the Dr. who put her on each med. They can either give her samples if they are available; or give her alternative meds that produce the same effects which have samples available. Doctors work with elderly patients every day and totally understand the need for cheaper prescriptions, so please call them and ask to speak with the nurse who works directly with your grandma's Dr. That is the best way to reach your Dr. directly, since most often, you can't just call and speak with the Dr.

Next, go ahead and apply for Medicaid, but at the same time, she should also be on Medicare. I know from my own experience working in family practice that all of the drugs you listed are covered under Medicare.

Also, call around to local pharmacies and ask about their discount drug programs. Places like Wal Mart, Kroger, and The Pharm all have programs that offer hundreds of commonly prescribed (which all of these are) generic prescriptions for only $4.

Good luck, and remember that if you are her advocate, it is very important that you obtain as much knowledge as possible from each person you speak with in order to get your grandmother the best care possible.

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C.R.

answers from Indianapolis on

Dear T.,
My mother-in-law was facing the same kind of situation. She ended up asking her prescribing physician for samples. She also contacted the individual drug manufacturer and asked for assistance. She ended up getting all her meds covered. Your grandmother also might contact the MS Foundation to see if ot might help. Good luck in your search to help your grandma!
C. R.
P.S.
Your grandmother is truly blessed to have a caring granddaughter!

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A.B.

answers from Columbus on

T.,
I'm sorry to hear your Grandmother is going through this difficult time. I would suggest that she begins with asking her doctors for free samples then contacting the drug manafacturers, but for the long term I have what your Grandmother needs. I am a MamaSource member and also a Business Owner. I offer a variety of discount medical programs. One of them is a Prescription Advocacy Program. If your Grandmother falls under the Annual Income Qualifications she may be able to receive ALL her medications for only $82.00 a month. Briefly, if she has no RX coverage from an insurance benefit or government assistance program, she is a legal US resident and her income falls within the Maximum Income Guidelines ($28,000 for two persons) then PLEASE contact me! If you want to check out my website it's www.EveryoneBenefits.com/ALBaker.

God Bless,
A. B

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H.C.

answers from Steubenville on

I haven't read through all the responses, but I what I have read, I saw part of my answer: walmart or equivalent generic RX program. The other one is to use that IN COMBINATION with a discount RX program. It is free to sign up for and it does take a bit to get the card in the mail, but if you sign up online, they give you your member number right then that you can print off of the computer and take to the pharmacy with you. One for sure that works and is easy is http://www.togetherrxaccess.com. I use it to get me and my husband's medicine since we don't have any insurance either. Good luck.

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B.M.

answers from Cincinnati on

Some charitable organizations have prescription drug assistance

If you have a St.Vincent de Paul Org in your area, they may be able to help.The one here is Cincinnati has a charitable pharmacy

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R.T.

answers from Cincinnati on

T.,
Could these be some of the meds that Wal-mart advertises for $4.00?? If not I would have her call her doctor and see if he/she can prescribe the one's that are!! Check on-line with: Eli-Lilly about her insulin(they may programs), and the other meds to see if you can find her some assistance. Other than that I have no ideas.
Good Luck!
R.

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