Consider Switching to Generics or Other Lower-Cost Drugs – You may wish to talk to your doctor about the drugs you are currently taking to find out if there are generic or less-expensive brand-name drugs that would work just as well as the ones you’re taking now.

Cost savings information through the use of mail-order pharmacies, generic or less-expensive brand-name drugs is also available in the Prescription Drug Plan Finder section of www.medicare.gov

Explore National and Community-Based Charitable Programs – National and community-based charitable programs (such as the National Patient Advocate Foundation or the National Organization for Rare Disorders) may have programs that can help with your drug costs. Information on programs in your area is available on the Benefits Checkup website.

Look into Pharmaceutical Assistance Programs  – Many of the major drug manufacturers are offering assistance programs for people enrolled in Medicare Part D. You can find out whether a Patient Assistance Program is offered by the manufacturers of the drugs you take by visiting our Pharmaceutical Assistance Program site.

Look at State Pharmaceutical Assistance Programs – There are many states and a territory offering help with the paying of drug plan premiums and/or other drug costs. You can find out if your State has a program by visiting our State Pharmaceutical Assistance Program site.

Apply for Extra Help

If you have Medicare and have limited income and resources, you may qualify for extra help paying for your prescription drugs. If you qualify, you could pay between $1-$6 for each drug. Contact Social Security by visiting www.socialsecurity.gov or by calling 1-800-772-1213. TTY users should call 1-800-325-0778

For additional information, you can review the Bridging the Coverage Gap (PDF 132.71 KB)

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