THE PILL BOX HACK
company. I highly recommend this site for determining where to find free medication. But if you already know who makes your drug, go directly to that drug company and see if you qualify. You can look up their websites, but these are often confusing. I’d encourage you to call the company directly. When you call, ask the operator for the “patient-assistance program.” They can help determine your qualifications. Keep in mind, the companies initiated these programs as assistance for low-income folks who struggle to afford their medications. Each has different criteria for giving free medications. In general, you’ll have to verify your income and medical expenses to apply. And not everyone qualifies. Cost Cutter No. 3: Until recently, insurance companies and the Medicare system determined the prices you paid for drugs of all kinds. Now, you can set the prices you pay just by talking to your doctor. You can determine with your doctor if the medication you take can be changed to a so- called “generic” medication. You see, when a pharmaceutical company develops a drug, it’s awarded patents to protect its product Drug companies don’t disclose the exact criteria it takes to qualify, but it’s certainly easier to receive free drugs from a private company than it is to get assistance from the federal government.
Similarly, www.wellrx.com also shows you the cheapest prescriptions, but does it by zip code so you can find the nearest location for you as well. It should only take a few minutes and immediately you’ll know where the cheapest and closest place is for your medications. This is my favorite way to save money. I’ve used it before and it makes the process quick and easy. Cost Cutter No. 2: The best-kept secret of the drug business is that you can get almost any prescription drug in the world for free. Don’t expect to hear this secret from your pharmacist... or even your doctor. But these programs are perfectly legal... and are already being used by thousands of Americans across the country. Most people don’t take advantage of these freebie programs, simply because they – and their doctors – don’t know the programs exist. Drug companies don’t disclose the exact criteria it takes to qualify, but it’s certainly easier to receive free drugs from a private company than it is to get assistance from the federal government. First, you can start out with the complete list of free drug programs on the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) website: www.phrma.org . Another great resource is the website www.pparx.org . There, you can enter the drugs you take and fill out a simple form. The website will tell you which drugs are available for financial assistance and from what
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August 2021
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