Access to drug coverage has become an important concern. Drug costs continue to rise, and represent a significant out-of-pocket expense for many older people. The Original Medicare Plan does not currently cover prescription drug costs, except in certain situations. For example, Medicare may cover limited immunosuppressive drug therapy, as well as medications for hospice patients and individuals on dialysis. Medicare will also cover medications received during a hospital stay and when you receive skilled nursing care in a skilled nursing facility. Some of the Medicare+Choice Plans and Medigap policies offer prescription drug benefits. Visit www.medicare.gov for more information.In response to the growing need for discounted prescription medications, a number of private and public programs have been established to meet the needs of many seniors and individuals with disabilities. All of the programs require that their clients have no other prescription drug coverage, and most require clients to meet specific income criteria.
The Texas Department of State Health Services offers this list of patient assistance programs to serve as possible resources for citizens of Texas. No endorsement should be implied for the products and services listed. DSHS assumes no responsibility for the accuracy of claims made therein. The list of programs is not intended to be all-inclusive.
 Lilly Answers |
Eli Lilly discount program for seniors & people with disabilities. Offers all Lilly products except controlled substances.
Eligibility:
- Medicare recipient
- Gross annual income less than $18,000 for individual or $24,000 for household of more than one
- No other prescription coverage
Contact: 1-877-795-4559 / www.lillymedicareanswers.com
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| Needy Meds |
Compilation of patient assistance programs. Can access information by drug or program name. Includes 862 prescription drugs and 179 patient assistance programs.
Eligibility: See individual programs
Contact: www.needymeds.com
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| Pfizer Share Card Discount Program For Seniors |
Covers all Pfizer drugs.
Eligibility:
- Medicare recipient over 65
- Gross annual income less than $18,000 for individual or $24,000 for couple
- No other prescription coverage
Contact: 1-800-717-6005 / www.pfizerhelpfulanswers.com
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| PhRMA |
Directory of research-based pharmaceutical companies that provide prescription medicines free of charge to physicians whose patients might not otherwise have access to necessary medicines. Access to 48 companies.
Eligibility:
- Eligibility requirements listed by company
Contact: www.helpingpatients.org/
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| The Medicine Program |
Assists patients who may qualify for one or more of the many patient assistance programs available. Programs provide prescription medicine free of charge to individuals in need, regardless of age, if they meet the sponsor's criteria.
Eligibility:
- Do not qualify for government program which provides prescription medication (Medicaid)
- No other prescription coverage-Household income limit varies with each sponsor
Contact: 1-573-996-7300 / www.themedicineprogram.com
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| US Dept. of Veteran Affairs |
If you are a veteran or military retiree, you may be able to get prescription assistance.
Eligibility:
Veteran or military retiree
Contact: 1-800-538-9552 / 1-800-252-8387 in Texas / www.va.gov
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As of February 2003, 34 states have established or authorized some type of program to provide pharmaceutical coverage or assistance to low-income elderly or persons with disabilities who do not qualify for Medicaid. Most programs utilize state funds to subsidize a portion of the costs, usually for a defined population that meets enrollment criteria. HB 1094, signed June 15, 2001, authorized a state pharmaceutical assistance program for Texas seniors. It is not yet in operation due to lack of funds. www.ncsl.org/programs/health/drugaid.htm.