Medication can be very expensive. Speak with your doctor to see if your medication is available in generic form. Ask your doctor if there are any medications that you don’t need anymore. Do NOT change or stop taking any medication without speaking to your doctor first.
There are resources available for eligible Seniors to help with the cost.
Rhode Island Pharmaceutical Assistance to Elders (RIPAE) is an income based program that pays a portion of the cost of RIPAE-approved medications purchased during the Deductible stage of a Part D plan.
Medicare Part D or Medicare Advantage Plan (Part C) are optional prescription drug coverage benefit plans. If you decide not to get Medicare drug coverage when you’re first eligible, you’ll likely pay a late enrollment penalty if you join later, unless you meet specific criteria.
Medicare beneficiaries that meet certain income and resource limits, may qualify for Extra Help from Social Security to pay the costs of Medicare prescription drug coverage. If you have limited resources and income, and reside in one of the 50 States or the District of Columbia may qualify for the Extra Help program.
NeedyMeds is a non-profit information resource dedicated to helping people locate assistance programs to help them afford their medications and other healthcare costs.
GoodRx gathers current prices and discounts to help you find the lowest cost pharmacy for your prescriptions. It is free to use and no personal information is required.
Drug companies, charitable organizations and government agencies may also be able to help individuals with a limited income. Check the following websites for help: