Affordable Prescription Assistance: Programs for Low-Income Individuals

Prescription assistance programs are available to help low-income individuals get the prescription medications they need. There are many kinds of programs, and they all vary in their requirements.

Income Guidelines

• Many programs go by the federal income and asset standards, but others are more flexible in their income limits.

State Programs

• Every state has a program for low-income people to receive prescriptions either free or at a lower cost. The Prescription Assistance Program lists state resources, and those that do not qualify for Medicaid are often eligible for other programs.

Pharmaceutical Companies

• Many major pharmaceutical companies have programs that provide low-income individuals with prescriptions at a reduced price or free.

Federal Programs

• Medicaid is a federal program run by the state you live in. Medicaid can provide your prescriptions if you meet the guidelines set forth.

Specific Disease/Conditions

• There are programs for low-income or fixed income people who suffer from diseases such as HIV, cancer or diabetes to receive the medications they need. There are also programs for families who have a child with a catastrophic illness and need help paying for prescriptions.