Prescription drug coverage is getting so expensive, even though we have insurance. Is there anything I can do to reduce this expense?

80. Prescription drug coverage is getting so
expensive, even though we have insurance.
Is there anything I can do to reduce this
expense?

Some pharmaceutical companies provide limited free or
reduced-cost prescriptions to qualified individuals as
part of “compassionate use” or “patient assistance” programs.

If you are having trouble paying for certain
prescriptions, ask your doctor or pharmacist what company
makes the drug. Then, contact the company to
determine whether it has such a program and how you
can apply. You can also try NeedyMeds, Inc., to find
information on specific drug or company programs, as
well as the Partnership for Prescription Assistance,
which serves as a single point of access to more than
475 public and private patient assistance programs.

Investigate purchasing supplemental insurance coverage
to defray the costs of prescriptions. These plans may
be expensive, but could be less than buying pricey drugs.

Many states also have pharmaceutical assistance programs
that provide financial assistance to defray the
costs of medications for the elderly or disabled. Contact
CancerCare, Inc., for a list of states with such programs.

You should also contact the office administering the program
in your state to make sure your loved one qualifies.

There are also a few foundations that provide grants to
help defray the out-of-pocket expenses associated with
prescriptions and other healthcare costs. As mentioned
in the previous question, funds for these programs are
often limited, with eligibility guidelines restricted to
specific cancers, so it is a good idea to contact the following
organizations directly for further information:
The Patient Advocate Foundation Co-pay Relief Program;
the Patient Access Network Foundation; and
the Healthwell Foundation.