Anyone know any sources for getting free/discounted pharmaceuticals?

The #1 community for Gun Owners in Indiana

Member Benefits:

  • Fewer Ads!
  • Discuss all aspects of firearm ownership
  • Discuss anti-gun legislation
  • Buy, sell, and trade in the classified section
  • Chat with Local gun shops, ranges, trainers & other businesses
  • Discover free outdoor shooting areas
  • View up to date on firearm-related events
  • Share photos & video with other members
  • ...and so much more!
  • Snapdragon

    know-it-all tart
    Site Supporter
    Rating - 100%
    36   0   0
    Nov 5, 2013
    38,771
    77
    NW Indiana
    A little background: I have psoriatic arthritis in my spine, shoulders, hips, and ankles. I went on disability at the beginning of this year (retroactive to when I applied in 2019). Once I had been on disability for 2.5 years, I was automatically enrolled in Medicare on August 1.

    I am on a biologic injectable medication called Cimzia for my psoriatic arthritis. Retail price for Cimzia ranges from $5000-$7000 per month. Prior to going on Medicare, I had Anthem insurance that was part of my early retirement package. Because I had commercial insurance, I qualified for copay assistance ($0 copay) on my Cimzia. Now that I am on Medicare, I have lost the copay assistance (and my Cimzia). My Aetna medicare insurance covers the Cimzia, but my copay will be around $750/month. I cannot afford that without some sort of assistance. I have applied for Social Security low income subsidy, but because I have been careful with my money and have a bit of savings, I do not qualify. If I had squandered all my money, I would have qualified in a heartbeat.

    Does anyone know of any sources, public or private, that help people on Medicare with the cost of prescription medications? This goes way beyond something like GoodRx. The GoodRx price is $4999/mo.
     

    DoggyDaddy

    Grandmaster
    Site Supporter
    Rating - 100%
    73   0   1
    Aug 18, 2011
    102,057
    77
    Southside Indy
    I don't know if the manufacturer of your medication has it, but I see commercials for various medications all the time that say, "If you are unable to afford your medication, (company name) may be able to help."
     

    dvd1955

    Expert
    Rating - 0%
    0   0   0
    Apr 10, 2013
    783
    63
    Howard County
    I'm on Medicare part d and was taking a medication that cost a lot more than that. Just recently had my last dose. Hit the catastrophic coverage level the first month I was on the medication. The first month would have cost me about $3000, and about $750 per month after that. My oncology dept. is part of Community Health Network, and they have a patient advocate. She got me a grant that paid for 100% of my co-insurance for the medication.

    So maybe talk to your provider (doctor) to see if they can help.
     

    Snapdragon

    know-it-all tart
    Site Supporter
    Rating - 100%
    36   0   0
    Nov 5, 2013
    38,771
    77
    NW Indiana
    I'm on Medicare part d and was taking a medication that cost a lot more than that. Just recently had my last dose. Hit the catastrophic coverage level the first month I was on the medication. The first month would have cost me about $3000, and about $750 per month after that. My oncology dept. is part of Community Health Network, and they have a patient advocate. She got me a grant that paid for 100% of my co-insurance for the medication.

    So maybe talk to your provider (doctor) to see if they can help.
    I'm so glad that you got your medication covered. I have been in touch with the Franciscan patient advocate, and so far she says all of the grants for my medication are closed, but I'm going to keep checking.
     

    dvd1955

    Expert
    Rating - 0%
    0   0   0
    Apr 10, 2013
    783
    63
    Howard County
    I'm so glad that you got your medication covered. I have been in touch with the Franciscan patient advocate, and so far she says all of the grants for my medication are closed, but I'm going to keep checking.
    That's a bummer. I don't know if they do this but maybe contact Samaritan Caregivers in your area and tell them your situation. Also talk to SHIP: https://www.in.gov/ship/

    These may not have funds to help you, but might have suggestion of places that might help.
     

    foszoe

    Grandmaster
    Site Supporter
    Rating - 100%
    24   0   0
    Jun 2, 2011
    16,052
    113
    Is Medicare anything like an HSA were once you meet out-of-pocket you don't have to pay that 7:50 or is that 7:50 for the whole year?
     

    hoosierdoc

    Freed prisoner
    Rating - 100%
    8   0   0
    Apr 27, 2011
    25,987
    149
    Galt's Gulch
    Medicare sucks ass, sorry. It's a huge scam.

    Any chance of getting a policy through a healthcare exchange or not possible on disability?
     

    Snapdragon

    know-it-all tart
    Site Supporter
    Rating - 100%
    36   0   0
    Nov 5, 2013
    38,771
    77
    NW Indiana
    Medicare sucks ass, sorry. It's a huge scam.

    Any chance of getting a policy through a healthcare exchange or not possible on disability?
    I could look into it, but I know I'm stuck with medicare. I would have to pay for another policy besides what I have, I guess? Not sure how it would work.
     

    mbills2223

    Eternal Shooter
    Rating - 100%
    3   0   0
    Dec 16, 2011
    20,138
    113
    Indy
    Unfortunately, those are for people with regular insurance, not medicare.
    If you are on disability, you need to speak with social security about a program called extra help. Generally, most people in disability qualify...it is income driven. This lowers copays to anywhere from $0 to a max of around $9.20. If that is not the case for you, I strongly recommend calling the manufacturer directly, they often have other programs that may not necessarily be advertised that are available even for people with Medicare.
     

    dvd1955

    Expert
    Rating - 0%
    0   0   0
    Apr 10, 2013
    783
    63
    Howard County
    Snapdragon, I was reading through my 2022 prescription drug plan documents, and it mentions HoosierRx, which is Indiana's pharmaceutical assistance program. Looks like you reach them through the SHIP program 800-452-4800.
     

    Snapdragon

    know-it-all tart
    Site Supporter
    Rating - 100%
    36   0   0
    Nov 5, 2013
    38,771
    77
    NW Indiana
    Snapdragon, I was reading through my 2022 prescription drug plan documents, and it mentions HoosierRx, which is Indiana's pharmaceutical assistance program. Looks like you reach them through the SHIP program 800-452-4800.
    Thank you. Will check it out.
     

    9mmfan

    Grandmaster
    Rating - 0%
    0   0   0
    Apr 26, 2011
    5,085
    63
    Mishawaka
    Unfortunately, those are for people with regular insurance, not medicare.
    That may not necessarily be the case. Some patient assistance programs will make an exception if your co pay is an obscene amount and your income meets their requirements.
     
    Top Bottom