Pharmaceutical Assistance Programs

Comparison Shopping Works!

Don’t forget good old-fashioned comparison shopping, especially for generic medicines. Medicines do not have a set price; drug companies have different agreements with different pharmacies. Recently, a local TV station comparison-shopped for twelve common prescription medications at eight metro area drug stores. They discovered huge price differences. One medication was $56 at a chain drug store but was only $9 at a neighborhood pharmacy. These kinds of price differences are not uncommon.

In addition, current research shows that in many cases, older generic medicines are more effective than some of the new and expensive medicines. You can access this research at http://www.aarp.org/or . When comparison-shopping make sure to ask about generic medication!

$4 Generic Drug Programs

Target , Walmart , QFC and Fred Meyer each have a $4 program where most generic prescriptions can be purchased for just $4.00 for a 30 day supply. Click on the links to see a list of drugs offered by each program.

OPDP is open to all uninsured Oregonians

In 2003 the Oregon Legislature authorized the formation of the OPDP, Oregon Prescription Drug Program , a prescription drug purchasing pool that helps increase uninsured people’s access to prescription drugs. Essentially any uninsured Oregonian can join the program which offers discounts up to 60% on prescriptions. Enroll on the OPDP website, or call 1-800-913-4146. Registration only takes a few minutes and enrollment is FREE.

Download OPDP Brochure

What if Oregon Health Plan doesn’t cover my allergy medicine?

Programs for People of Any Age

• The Partnership for Prescription Assistance is a web site sponsored by multiple pharmaceutical companies; you can find over 475 patient assistance programs which help pay for prescription drugs.
• RxAssist is a national program supported by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation to help people access prescription drug assistance programs.
• Needy Meds. NeedyMeds is a 501©(3) nonprofit with the mission of helping people who cannot afford medicine or health care costs. The information at NeedyMeds is available anonymously and free of charge.
• The National Alliance for the Mentally Ill offers resources for accessing psychiatric medications
• The People’s Prescription Plan offers discounts on prescription drugs, eye wear, hearing aids, and other services.
• All Oregon residents are eligible for pharmacy discounts through the Oregon Rx Card Program. Cardholders pay the lower of a discount off the Average Wholesale Price-AWP, a discount calculated off MAC Pricing, or the Pharmacy Promotional/Retail price.
• The Family Village , sponsored by the University of Wisconsin, helps people with cognitive and other disabilities, their families, and those that care for them access services and support:
• Bridges to Access – GlaxoSmithKline’s patient assistance program for non-oncology medicines, provides GSK prescription medicines to eligible low-income patients without prescription drug benefits.
• Pfizer Helpful Answers Pfizer Helpful Answers offers patient assistance programs to people without prescription coverage. These programs provide savings on Pfizer medicines, regardless of age or income; or free Pfizer medicines for people with limited incomes who qualify.
• TestStripsDirect . Wholesale diabetic testing supplies. $14.99 for a box of 50 TrueTracks test strips, $6.99 for shipping, and $10 for a meter.

Rx Outreach

Express Scripts Specialty Distribution Services, Inc. is available to anyone with an income at or below 250% FPL. There is a set list of generic medication, but it is fairly broad and includes drugs for arthritis, asthma, cholesterol, diabetes, hypertension, depression, acid reflux, hormone dysfunction and tamoxifen.

The cost is $30 for a 6 month supply (180 days) or $18 for a 3 month supply (90 days). All drugs for this program are donated by generic drug manufacturers. US citizenship not required.

Providence Health Medication Assistance Program

The Providence Health Medication Assistance Program is staffed with research specialists who will assist with your medication needs by working with you, your physician and the companies that provide prescription medications. They will also provide you with the correct forms and monitor the timelines for re-ordering your medications. The program is free. Any patient, including children, may qualify for help but must meet the guidelines of company programs to actually receive medication. Typically, your physician starts the process by contacting Providence.

Call 503-513-2108 or 503-513-2107 for eligibility guidelines.

Programs Just For Seniors

The following programs are just for Medicare-eligible seniors and seniors with disabilities:

• Oregon Senior Prescription Drug Assistance Program You can also call 1-800-527-5772,
• The Oregon Senior Health Insurance Benefit Assistance program (SHIBA), is a statewide network of volunteers that educates, assists and advocates for people with Medicare. Call 503 640-3489 and ask for a SHIBA representative or click on the above link.
• AARP Member Prescription Choice Program or call 1 800-523-5800
• Benefits Checkup (for those 55 and older)

Certification of Non-Coverage for Prescription Drugs

Nearly all of the prescription assistance programs on this page require proof that you do not have prescription drug coverage through a medical insurance plan. The Client Advisory Services Unit (CASU) of the Oregon Office of Medical Assistance Programs can help provide this certification to current or former OHP members who do not have drug benefits.

CASU will accept requests by FAX (503) 945-6898, by phone 1-800-273-0557, or by mail: Office of Medical Assistance Programs

Attention: CASU
500 Summer Street E-35
Salem, OR 97301-1077