Frequently Asked Questions
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About NeedyMeds
Common Questions about Patient Assistance Programs
Free and Low Cost Medical Care
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.
Medicare and Part D Questions
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Common Questions about Medical Supplies and Over-the-Counter Medicines (OTCs)
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Common Questions about Insurance and Co-pays
Common Questions about Donating or Disposing of Medicine
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