The nonprofit Medhelp Maine is reminding Mainers who cannot afford their prescription medicines that there are options for free or low-cost prescription drugs through state and federal programs, pharmacy discounts, copay foundations and the patient assistance programs of both brand name and generic drug manufacturers.
Although primarily for low-income uninsured individuals, some programs are available to patients with Medicare or commercial insurance, or to those with significant incomes but especially high medical expenses, the nonprofit organization, based in West Newfield, said in a news release.
Because each prescription assistance option has its own frequently changing eligibility requirements and application process, few medical practices or patients themselves can easily identify the most appropriate sources of help for each individual’s unique circumstances. Many Maine hospitals have therefore created prescription assistance programs to which area doctors can merely refer their patients. After evaluating each person’s medication list and financial status, knowledgeable program personnel then manage the medication access process on behalf of both doctor and patient, the release said.
Medhelp Maine suggests that all Mainers tell their doctors if they cannot afford to take their medicines as prescribed. Medical practices can then either provide help themselves or refer patients to their local hospital’s prescription assistance program.
Prescribers without access to a hospital-based prescription assistance/medication access resource may request guidance from MedHelp Maine at medhelpmaine@gmail.com or 207-793-4462. While the nonprofit does not provide meds or money for individual patients, it does help Maine physicians and their hospitals develop prescription assistance programs, at no charge, to which doctors can refer patients at risk of avoidable ER use or hospitalization because of medication nonadherence.
