Common Questions
Click on your question below
About NeedyMeds
How do I sign up for the NeedyMeds program?
How do I get a NeedyMeds application?
What address or fax should I use to send my application to NeedyMeds?
Patient Assistance Programs (PAPs)
What are patient assistance programs?
Are there people available to help me with PAPs?
What if I am on Medicare or Part D?
How do I sign up for your program?
I sent in my application - where are my meds?
Do I need to be a US resident?
Why do you include companies that don't have a program?
My medicine is not listed. Can I use a PAP?
Why doesn't my doctor have time to fill out the forms?
Are there programs for children?
Is assistance available for smoking cessation?
Free and Low Cost Medical Care
Where can I find clinics that treat patients with limited income?
Do regular doctors see patients who can't afford to pay?
Paying for Non-Medical Care
What is non-medical/custodial care?
Is financial assistance available to help pay for non-medical, custodial care?
Does Medicare pay for custodial care?
Herbal Medicines and Vitamins
Are there any programs that help with the cost of herbal, homeopathic, or other similar treatments?
Can I get help with the cost of my multivitamin?
Medicare and Part D Questions
Can I use a PAP if I am on Medicare or Medicare Part D?
I am confused about Medicare Part D - where can I find help?
Medical Supplies, Oxygen and OTCs
Is there a program that supplies diabetic supplies or equipment?
Are there any programs that help with the cost of oxygen?
Do programs provide over-the-counter medicine?
Insurance and Co-pays
I have insurance but still can't afford my meds. Is there any help with insurance co-pays?
Donating or Disposing of Medicine
How do I dispose of medicine? Can I donate unused drugs to you?
Discount Drug Cards Questions
What are discount drug cards?
How do I pick a discount drug card?
Do some stores have pharmacy discount cards?
Q: How do I sign up for the NeedyMeds program?
A: You don't sign up for the NeedyMeds program because we don't have one. We are an information source. We list programs that may provide you with assistance. You apply directly to those programs. NeedyMeds doesn't process any applications, determine eligibility, or supply medications.
Q: How do I get a NeedyMeds application?
A: There is no NeedyMeds application. Each program has its own application. You can find them by clicking on a drug name under Brand Name drugs or Generic Name drugs and then clicking on the name of your drug.
Q: What address or fax should I use to send my application to NeedyMeds?
A: All applications should be sent directly to the specific program and not to NeedyMeds. We don't process applications.
Common Questions about PAPs
Q: What are patient assistance programs?
A: Programs called PAPs (Patient Assistance Programs) provide free or low-cost prescription medicine to low-income people who are uninsured or under-insured and meet the guidelines. Most medicines are provided by the pharmaceutical companies who manufacture the medicine.
Q: Are there people who will help me with a PAP?
A: There may be a group that will help you. The Application Assistance section is a list of groups and individuals that will help people find and apply for PAPs for free or for a small fee.
Q: Am I eligible for a patient assistance program if I am on Medicare? What if I am enrolled in a Part D drug plan?
A: Yes, some of the PAPs will help if you are enrolled in Part D. The following programs will help Part D recipients: GSK Access, AZ Medicine and Me, and LillyMedicareAnswers. You can find these programs on the "Program List" on the menu on the left-hand side of the homepage. Go to First Time Users in the menu at the top of the page if you need help. Other programs help on a case-by-case basis so we recommend that you find a Patient Assistance Program that covers your medication and call the program.
Q: I want to sign up for the NeedyMeds program. How come your site doesn't tell me how to do that?
A: NeedyMeds is not a program. We are an information resource to help you find the assistance you need.
Q: I sent in my application, so why haven't I received my meds?
A: Your application was to a patient assistance program, not to NeedyMeds. For questions such as this, call the program directly. Phone numbers are included on the program pages.
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Q: Do I have to be a resident of the U.S. to use these programs?
A: Yes, most of the patient assistance programs and most of the other assistance programs require U.S. residency.
Q: Why do you include companies that don't have a program?
A: Companies drop and add programs regularly. We keep companies on our list so you can see their current status. Sometimes companies will help out indigent patients even if they have no program.
Q: I'm taking a drug that is not listed on NeedyMeds. Does this mean there isn't a program to get the drug at low or no cost?
A: Probably. If the drug you are taking is not listed, it means there is no program that covers that drug as of our last update. You can try to call the manufacturer and see if its program has changed and now includes your drug. On rare occasions, some companies will make an exception.
Q: My doctor either doesn't want to or doesn't have the time to complete the forms. What can I do?
A: A few suggestions that may help: 1. Make sure you fill out as much of the form as you can and all the material that the patient is responsible for completing. 2. Read over the doctor's portion and see if there is any information the doctor will need from you and have this ready. 3. Try to befriend a sympathetic staff member. Sometimes the staff is able to get the doctor to complete and sign the form. 4. Be sure your doctor knows your plight, that you may not be able to take your medicine because you can't afford to buy it. 5. Let the doctor know you understand how busy he/she is and that you appreciate the time it takes to complete the forms. As a last resort, you may have to find another doctor who will be more helpful.
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Q: Are there programs for children?
A: Yes, PAPs cover people of all ages based on the medication that they take. NeedyMeds has a section called Programs for Children that lists other places to look for programs that assist children.
Q: Is there assistance available for smoking cessation?
A: Yes. We list all the information on a special page.
Free and Low Cost Medical Care
Q: Where can I find clinics that treat patients with limited income?
A: We have a list of thousands of clinics throughout the country that see patients who can't afford to pay. Some are totally free while others charge a small fee or charge based on the income of the patient. You can find the list on our Free/Low Cost Clinics page.
Q: Do regular doctors see patients who can't afford to pay?
A: Some do, some don't. If you like your current doctor you should bring up the subject of finances. Many doctors are willing to work out a payment schedule or adjust their fees. Be honest with the doctor and be willing to make an effort.
Q: What is non-medical/custodial care?
A: Non-medical care is referred to by many names including custodial, attendant, personal and unskilled care. While there are subtle variations in these definitions, for the most part all these terms refer to assistance provided which does not require specialized medical training. This includes activities such as providing assistance with mobility, bathing, dressing and eating. Less hands-on activities such as assistance managing medications, providing transportation, housekeeping and chore services can also be considered custodial care. Custodial care can be provided at home, in assisted living residences or at adult day care centers.
Q: Is financial assistance available to help pay for non-medical, custodial care?
A: Yes. There are many public and private programs available that provide care or provide financial assistance to help pay for care. Much like Needymeds.org does for Patient Assistance Programs, our partner, Payingforseniorcare.com maintains a >free, searchable database of financial assistance programs for non-medical care.
Q: Does Medicare pay for custodial care?
A: No, custodial care is not included in Medicare's benefits or even those of Medicare Supplemental Insurance or nearly all other health insurance programs.
Herbal Medicines and Vitamins
Q: Are there any programs that help with the cost of herbal, homeopathic, or other similar treatments?
A: We know of no programs that help with the cost of these types of treatments.
Q: Can I get help with the cost of my multivitamin?
A: There are a few specialized types of vitamins available through the PAPs, but not multivitamins. However, you should always check to make sure what you need isn't on a program. Sometimes there are discount coupons for vitamins, so you should also check the Medication Coupons section of the website.
Medicare and Part D Questions
Q: I am enrolled in Medicare Part D. Am I eligible for a PAP?
A: Yes, some of the PAPs will help if you are enrolled in Part D. The following programs will help Part D recipients: GSK Access, AZ Medicine and Me, and LillyMedicareAnswers. You can find these programs on the "Program List" on the menu on the left-hand side of the homepage. Go to First Time Users in the menu at the top of the page if you need help. Other programs help on a case-by-case basis so we recommend that you find a Patient Assistance Program that covers your medication and call the program.
Q: I am confused about Medicare Part D - where can I find help?
A. Every state has a State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIIP or SHIP). These are federally funded health programs that provide health insurance counseling to Medicare recipients and their families. SHIP programs may have different names in different states (in Connecticut it's called "Choices"; in some states it's called Senior Health Insurance Assistance), but all do the same thing. They provide free one-on-one telephone counseling and advice services, personal face-to-face counseling sessions, public education programs and media presentations. Most SHIP counselors are volunteers who have received extensive training and are well versed with all facets of the Medicare program (including Part D), Medicaid, health insurance benefits, fraud and abuse. Click HERE to find your local SHIP.
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Common Questions about Medical Supplies and Over-the-Counter Medicines (OTCs)
Q: Do you know of a program where I can get my diabetic supplies or other equipment?
A: Yes. In the Disease-Based Assistance you can find programs for help with the cost of diabetic supplies. You can also use our drug discount card to save on diabetic supplies. Ask your doctor to write a prescription even though a prescription isn't required for the supplies. At the drug store, give your prescription, the supplies, and your NeedyMeds drug discount card to the pharmacist.
Q: Are there any programs that help with the cost of oxygen?
A: We know of no programs that help those who can't afford their oxygen.
Q: Are there programs that cover OTCs?
A: The NeedyMeds drug discount card may offer a discount on OTCs. The drug has to be written on a prescription blank to be eligible for a savings. You can learn more about the card HERE.
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Common Questions about Insurance and Co-pays
Q: I have insurance and can still not afford my medicine. What can I do?
A: Some PAPs will help people who have insurance if they can meet hardship requirements or if their medicine is not covered by the insurance. If there is a program for your medicine(s), call the program and inquire about this. Some programs help with the co-pays for specific diseases and conditions. You can find these in Disease-Based Assistance section of the website. Look up your disease or condition to see if there is assistance for you. Also check in the Drug Discount Cards section to look for discounts on your medications.
Common Questions about Donating or Disposing of Medicine
Q: How do I dispose of unused medicines? Can I donate them to you?
A: No, we're sorry that we cannot take donated drugs. Unfortunately, with few exceptions, unopened medicine packages cannot be redistributed and it is illegal to give another person your prescription medicine. Flushing medicine down the toilet poses concerns about traces of medicine in the water supply. Many states and communities are addressing this problem and some communities have established pharmaceutical take-back programs. Check with your local pharmacy or government agency to see if your community has addressed this issue. Click HERE to read more about drug disposal.
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Common Questions about Discount Drug Cards
Q: What are Discount Drug Cards?
A: Discount drug cards offer discounts on various medical services including medicine. They are not a form of insurance. Some are free while others may involve a hefty fee. They are offered by state governments, drug companies, non-profit and other for-profit businesses.
Q: How do I pick a discount drug card?
A: Carefully evaluate any and all costs involved, such as handling or shipping fees. The fee may add up to more than the discount. When using a free card, it is still important to consider the cost of your medicine: the generic version may be cheaper than the discounted drug. The NeedyMeds drug discount card offers the largest discount, is free, and anyone can use it regardless of income level, insurance status, age or residency.
Q: Do some stores have pharmacy discount cards?
A: Yes, many larger chains offer medicine discounts to their customers. Wal-Mart, Sam's Club and others, for example, offer some generic prescriptions for $4. These programs usually do not include all generics. Again, the pharmacist should be able to help you pick the least expensive way to buy your medicine.
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