Rx Relief: How Seniors With Low Income Can Save on Medication Costs

Prescription drug costs can be a big burden, especially for older adults living on a fixed income. However, the good news is that there are many programs and resources available to help lower the cost of your medications. Whether you are looking for prescription coupons or nonprofit programs, help is available — you just need to know where to look.

Find Prescription Coupons and Discounts

One of the easiest ways to start saving money is by using prescription coupons and prescription discounts. These are special offers that help lower the price of your medications at the pharmacy.

Websites like GoodRx, SingleCare, and WellRx let you search for your medication and compare prices at nearby pharmacies. These sites often offer printable coupons or discount codes that you can show the pharmacist to get a better price. The savings can be big — sometimes up to 80% off the regular cost.

You don’t need insurance to use these discounts, and sometimes the coupon price is even cheaper than your insurance co-pay. It’s always a good idea to ask your pharmacist which option gives you the lowest price.

NeedyMeds is an organization that helps people find affordable healthcare, including ways to save on prescription drugs. Their website offers a large database of:

• Patient assistance programs
• Prescription discount cards
• Coupons
• Free or low-cost clinics

On the NeedyMeds website, you can search by the name of your medicine or by the condition it treats. The site is free to use, and registration is not required. You can also call their toll-free helpline if you need assistance.

Most of these programs require you to fill out a short form and provide proof of income, but they can be a big help for those who qualify.

Find Help from Pharmaceutical Companies

If you take brand-name medication, the company that makes the drug may offer help through what’s called a Patient Assistance Program (PAP). These programs offer free or low-cost medication to people who qualify, usually based on income and need.

To find out if you qualify, you can:

• Visit the drug maker’s official website and look for “patient assistance” or “savings programs.”
• Visit GoodRx, NeedyMeds, and RxAssist, which let users search by drug or manufacturer to find available programs.
• Discuss medicine costs with a healthcare provider or pharmacist, who often has information on available assistance programs or can help complete the necessary paperwork.

Consider Nonprofit Help

Other nonprofit groups, such as the Patient Access Network (PAN) Foundation, offer grants that can help cover copays for specific conditions. Rx Outreach offers affordable medications through mail-order, and HealthWell Foundation can help you manage copayments and premiums. These organizations have collectively helped millions of patients get the medicines they need.

Talk to Your Doctor and Pharmacist

If your prescriptions are too expensive, don’t be afraid to let your doctor or pharmacist know. They might be able to prescribe a generic version of the drug, recommend a similar medicine that costs less, or help you apply for patient assistance.

Extra Help for Medicare Recipients

If you’re on Medicare and having trouble paying for prescriptions, you may qualify for a program called Extra Help. This is a federal program that helps people with limited income and resources pay for their Medicare Part D drug costs.

Extra Help can cover premiums, deductibles, and reduce co-pays. You can apply through the Social Security Administration online or by calling their office.

If you’re an older adult living on a tight budget, don’t give up on getting the medicine you need. From prescription coupons to nonprofit programs, there are many ways to cut costs and stay healthy.

Taking a few minutes to explore these options can save you a significant amount of money each month — and ensure you continue to receive the care you deserve.