How to Be Broke & Medicated

Artist: Robin Mead

If you can’t afford the treatment you need, don’t give up hope just yet. Try these things first.

Some of these programs require low-income. Some do not. And some think “low-income” means “less than $75,000 per year!”

Rest assured, these programs do work. Check out the stories on this page: How a Bunch of Different People Got a Bunch of Different Meds Real Cheap. If these folks can do it, you can do it too.

Please comment below to let us know if any links on this page stop working:

Cheap Meds!

• State drug discount programs
• NeedyMeds – Check here first
• RxAssist – database of patient assistance programs
• Rx Outreach – over 400 free or discounted medications
• RX Access provides savings to low income people
• RxHope your doctor, nurse or caseworker will fill out a form
• Goodrx – coupons save up to 80%
• Patientservices – Good program for certain expensive medications.
• Blink – price match for generic medications
• Try contacting low-income healthcare programs in your area and inquire about prescription assistance. Make sure to check all types of programs: clinics, centers, and hospital financial aid programs.
• You can also try asking your doctor if they can prescribe a cheaper medication, or one that is covered by your health insurance.

Supplements

Thank you to Cort Johnson & Health Rising for these resources:

• Supplement Websites
• How to Get Supplements Cheap By Buying Them in Bulk
• Buying Meds From Canada – A Good Choice?

Medicaid – Try again!

If you got turned down or did not apply, check out:

• How to Get Medicaid Even if You Don’t Qualify for Medicaid
• How to Respond When You Are Told You Can’t Get Medicaid

Doctors & Dentists

• How to Go to The Doctor When You Can’t Afford to Go to the Doctor
• How to Go to the Dentist When You Can’t Afford to Go to the Dentist

Lab Tests

• How to Get Free or Cheap Lab Tests

Transport (planes, trains, automobiles)

• How to Get Free Local Transport to Your Doctor 
• How to Get Free Long-Distance Medical Travel

Lyme Disease

• Ticked Off Foundation – Lyme treatment for adults
• LymeTAP.com – Lyme Testing
• Lymelight Foundation – Age 0-25
• LymeAid4Kid

Escaping Co-Payments, Deductibles, & Premiums

• Patient Services – assistance with premiums and co-payments
• The HealthWell Foundation – co-payments for important medical treatments.
• Co-Pay Relief – assistance with co-payments.
• Medicare Extra Help  – For people on Medicare
• How to Escape Medicare Fees – Also for people on Medicare (obviously)
• Medicaid – Can be a secondary insurance. Pays co-pays.
• Check free clinics and hospital charity care programs in your area. Many will accept people that have insurance but still cannot afford the doctor.

Offsetting Costs

• Food Stamps Regs – If you are disabled and have medical expenses, your food stamps can go up.
• Housing Regs – If you live in Section 8, HUD, or USDA housing and have medical expenses, your rent can go down.
• Tax Breaks – you may be able to get tax breaks based on your medical costs.
• Medical expenses can be anything written down by your doctor, including vitamins, herbs and supplements. Sometimes other things count too! For example: food and litter for an emotional support animal. Learn more:  How to Document Medical Expenses

Help Navigating All of This

• The Patient Advocate Foundation free case management services
• Patient Services – assistance with navigating healthcare & insurance

Be Less Broke

• How to Be Poor in America
• How to Survive Financially While Applying for Disability

Success Stories & Tips From Readers

• How a Bunch of Different People Got a Bunch of Different Meds Real Cheap

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