Patient Assistance: How to Get Help Paying for Medications

When you need a medication to stay healthy but can’t afford it, patient assistance, programs run by drug manufacturers, nonprofits, or government agencies to help people pay for prescriptions. Also known as pharmaceutical aid, these programs aren’t just for the uninsured—they’re for anyone who can’t cover their co-pays, even with insurance. Many people don’t know these programs exist, or think they’re only for low-income families. That’s not true. If your income is below 400% of the federal poverty level, or even if you’re just one unexpected bill away from skipping doses, you likely qualify.

Medication assistance programs, free or low-cost drug programs offered by pharmaceutical companies to make branded medicines affordable. Companies like Pfizer, Merck, and AbbVie run them for drugs like insulin, statins, and cancer treatments. You don’t need to be poor—just struggling. Some require proof of income, others just ask you to sign a form. And they’re not just for brand-name drugs. Many also cover generic alternatives if the brand version is too expensive. Then there’s drug affordability, the broader system of policies, programs, and strategies aimed at reducing out-of-pocket costs for prescriptions. It includes state-run programs, nonprofit foundations like NeedyMeds, and even pharmacy discount cards that work alongside insurance.

What’s missing from most people’s search is knowing where to start. It’s not a single form. It’s a process: find the right program, gather your documents (income proof, prescription, ID), fill out the application, and wait—sometimes weeks, sometimes days. Some programs send the meds directly to your door. Others give you a card to use at the pharmacy. A few even cover shipping. The key is to act fast. If you’re skipping doses because of cost, you’re not just saving money—you’re risking your health. Studies show people who can’t pay for meds are 3x more likely to be hospitalized.

Don’t wait until you’re out of pills. Check if your drug is covered by a manufacturer’s program. Look up your state’s prescription assistance list. Talk to your pharmacist—they often know which programs are fastest to approve. And if you’re on Medicare, don’t assume you’re out of luck. The Extra Help program and Low-Income Subsidy can slash your costs by 80% or more.

Below, you’ll find real guides on how to cut drug costs, avoid price traps, and get the meds you need without going broke. From how PBMs hide the real price of generics to how to apply for aid in under 15 minutes—this collection gives you the tools, not just the hope.