How to Get Help Paying for Medications

Medications can be expensive, even with insurance. Below are things you can do to lower the cost of your medications. 

Since financial and health challenges can be overwhelming, consider asking a friend or family member for help. Many people struggle to pay for medical care, so you may even help someone in your life by opening up about what you’re facing. 

💡 Your Doctor Can Help: Tell your doctor if you’re having trouble paying for medications. They can help you find discounts and may be able to prescribe a less expensive option that works just as well.

On This Page:

Compare Prices First

Medication prices vary widely between pharmacies. Check these options to find the lowest price:

Discount Coupon Websites

These websites give you coupons to use at regular pharmacies. Search for your medication on each site. They’ll show prices at different pharmacies near you.

💡 Important: You can use these coupons even if you have insurance. Sometimes the coupon price is less than your insurance copay.

Lower-Cost Pharmacies

These pharmacies have discounts for many medications:

Talk to Your Doctor

Tell your doctor you’re having trouble paying for your medication. They can help in several ways:

  • Prescribe a generic version (usually much cheaper)
  • Find a different medication that works similarly but costs less
  • Give you samples to help now
  • Write a prescription for a 90-day supply (usually costs less than three 30-day fills)
  • Help you apply for assistance programs
  • Tell you which medications are most important if you need to prioritize

🗯️ Help with What to Say: “I’m having trouble affording my medication. What options are there to help me?”

Ask Your Pharmacist

Your pharmacist knows about discount programs and may have suggestions such as: 

  • A different pharmacy with lower prices 
  • A generic alternative
  • A different package size that costs less per dose

🗯️ Help with What to Say: “Do you know of any discount programs for this medication?”

Apply for an Assistance Program

FindHelp.org

You can search for local programs to help with prescription costs. Enter your zip code. Then select “health”, then “help paying for healthcare.” Click on “prescription assistance.”

NeedyMeds

Helps you find programs that will help pay for medications. You can search by a medication or state. You can also find programs to pay for medical transportation and free or low cost clinics.

Rx Assist

Directory of assistance programs. You can search by your medication.

Pharmaceutical Company Programs

Many drug companies offer free or reduced cost medications to people who qualify. Search for your medication’s name and “patient assistance program.” The applications are usually fast and easy to fill out.

For Older Adults (65+)

Medicare Extra Help

Help paying for Medicare prescription drug costs

AARP Prescription Discounts

Extra discounts at pharmacies near you if you’re an AARP member.

Other Ways to Save

Ask for a 90-Day Supply

Many medications are cheaper when you buy a 90-day supply (3 months). You can check to see if this is true for your medication on one of the discount coupon websites or ask your pharmacist. If it saves money, ask your doctor if a 90-day supply makes sense for you.

Check Your Insurance's Mail-Order Option

Some insurance plans have cheaper prices when you get your medicine through their mail-order pharmacy. Check your insurance plan’s website or call them to see if that’s an option.

Important Safety Information

Never stop or change medications without talking to your doctor first. Some medications can be dangerous to stop suddenly. Your doctor can help you make a plan that fits within your budget.

Let us know if we should add another resource or if you have problems with any of the links. We want to make sure everyone gets the help they need.

Need Help Finding Affordable Food? Check out our post on finding food resources near you.

We list these resources to help you find ways to afford your medications. We don’t receive payment from any of these organizations. We checked each website but can’t guarantee the availability or quality of services. If you have problems with any resource, please let us know.

What to Read Next

How to Get Help Paying for Medications

Can't afford your medications? Find discount programs, compare pharmacy prices, apply for assistance, and learn what to ask your doctor and pharmacist.

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