Frequently Asked Questions
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About NeedyMeds
NeedyMeds is not a program, so you can't sign up. 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.
There is no NeedyMeds application. Each program we list on our site has its own application. You can find applications by clicking on a drug name under Brand Name drugs or Generic Name drugs and then clicking on the name of your drug.
All applications should be sent directly to the specific program and not to NeedyMeds. We don't process applications.
Common Questions about Patient Assistance Programs
Programs called Patient Assistance Programs (sometimes referred to as PAPs) 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.
There may be a group that will help you. The Help with Paperwork section lists groups and individuals that will help people find and apply for Patient Assistance Programs for free or for a small fee.
Yes, some of the Patient Assistance Programs will help if you are enrolled in Part D. You can find these programs on the Program Name List on the menu on the left-hand side of the home page. Go to New 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.
NeedyMeds is not a program. We are an information resource to help you find the assistance you need.
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.
Most of the patient assistance programs and other assistance programs require that applicants are U.S. citizens or legal residents. However, not all have these requirements.
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.
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. Because programs change, it's good practice to check back on the website periodically to see if your drug is on a program.
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. 6. Provide the doctor with an addressed stamped envelope or tell the doctor you will mail the application to the PAP. As a last resort, you may have to find another doctor who will be more helpful.
Yes. Visit the Search by Category page of the Coupons, Rebates & More section under the Patient Savings tab. Then look for the Smoking Cessation category. There you will find manufacturer offers and patient assistance programs.
Free and Low Cost Medical Care
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.
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.
Herbal Medicines and Vitamins
We know of no programs that help with the cost of these types of treatments.
There are a few specialized types of vitamins available through the Patient Assistance Programs, 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 Coupons, Rebates & More section of the website.
Medicare and Part D Questions
Yes, some of the Patient Assistance Programs will help if you are enrolled in Part D. It's best to check each program since the requirements may change.
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. Find your local SHIP here.
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Common Questions about Medical Supplies and Over-the-Counter Medicines (OTCs)
Yes. In the Assistance by Diagnosis page 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 you buy at your local drug store. 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.
We know of no programs that help those who can't afford their oxygen.
The NeedyMeds drug discount card may offer a discount on over-the-counter drugs. The drug has to be written on a prescription blank to be eligible for a savings.
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Common Questions about Insurance and Co-pays
Some Patient Assistance Programs 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 the Assistance by Diagnosis 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
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. There is an organization, World Medical Relief, that may be able to help with unused surplus medicines.
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Common Questions about Discount Drug Cards
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 registration and/or a fee. They are offered by state governments, drug companies, non-profit and other for-profit businesses.
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. Some cards gather patient information and use it for marketing. Be sure the card you use doesn't do this. 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. When you use the NeedyMeds drug discount card no identifiable information is collected.
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.
We know of no programs that help with the cost of these types of treatments.
There are a few specialized types of vitamins available through the Patient Assistance Programs, 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 Coupons, Rebates & More section of the website.
Medicare and Part D Questions
Yes, some of the Patient Assistance Programs will help if you are enrolled in Part D. It's best to check each program since the requirements may change.
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. Find your local SHIP here.
Top of Page
Common Questions about Medical Supplies and Over-the-Counter Medicines (OTCs)
Yes. In the Assistance by Diagnosis page 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 you buy at your local drug store. 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.
We know of no programs that help those who can't afford their oxygen.
The NeedyMeds drug discount card may offer a discount on over-the-counter drugs. The drug has to be written on a prescription blank to be eligible for a savings.
Top of Page
Common Questions about Insurance and Co-pays
Some Patient Assistance Programs 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 the Assistance by Diagnosis 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
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. There is an organization, World Medical Relief, that may be able to help with unused surplus medicines.
Top of Page
Common Questions about Discount Drug Cards
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 registration and/or a fee. They are offered by state governments, drug companies, non-profit and other for-profit businesses.
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. Some cards gather patient information and use it for marketing. Be sure the card you use doesn't do this. 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. When you use the NeedyMeds drug discount card no identifiable information is collected.
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.
Search for your Drugs
