Dealing with Parkinson’s medications can be expensive. There are several different avenues for helping with medication costs. Of course, health insurance is one of the best ways to offset the cost of expensive medications. A person with PD should have health insurance that includes hospitalization, major medical coverage, and generous prescription coverage.
Average results still show that the annual cost of Parkinson’s medication even with insurance can average from $4,500 to $15,000 per year. Copays vary by insurance plan. How can you offset some of these additional costs?
One of the first things you can do is talk to your doctor about the specific type of medication that you will need assistance with. There are many government organizations and associations that provide grant assistance for prescription coverage. Even the pharmaceutical companies who distribute the drugs, often will provide drug program assistance through scholarships or grants. Talking with your doctor about options to ensure you get coverage for the optimal drug for your treatment is critical.
Below are some Parkinson’s Organizations that provide co-pay relief programs and prescription assistance with out-of-pocket expenses. While some of the programs may be closed now for funding, signing up for a wait list will allow you to be notified for when applications are being accepted.
PAN Foundation: https://www.panfoundation.org/disease-funds/parkinsons-disease/
Patient Advocate Foundation Co-Pay Relief: https://copays.org/
Parkinson’s Copay Assistance Program: https://enroll.tafcares.org/TAF_ProgramInformation?Id=yqSfL6MJfEli5nqNcMC4OI4P%2FL4hw1WRllDtygIHC3wsdahMeyu24Q%2BQ21d%2Fo7k8
NeedMeds: https://www.needymeds.org/copay_diseases.taf?_function=summary&disease_eng=Parkinson%27s%20Disease
RxAssist (this is an online resource that provides a listing of all current pharmaceutical patient assistance programs): https://www.rxassist.org/pap-info
Melvin Weinstein Parkinson’s Foundation: https://www.mwpf.org/
Parkinson’s Wellness Fund: https://parkinsonswellnessfund.org/
The Assistance Fund: https://tafcares.org/
RxResource.org: https://www.rxresource.org/free-plans/alabama.html
ScriptSave WellRx: https://www.wellrx.com/discount-pharmacy-prices/?invitecode=GPM01&gclid=CjwKCAjw6raYBhB7EiwABge5KsRMuSswak51Ti_hIVXFlZ0Aejvc_MR6JdX0KPsG1b32_2IKlHGCrBoC2bIQAvD_BwE
In addition to these national foundations, Alabama also has options to assist with prescription payment assistance. Alabama Rx is a statewide free prescription assistance program open to all residents of Alabama. There are no restrictions to membership, no age or income requirements, and no stipulations on pre-existing health conditions. You can learn more at: https://www.staterxplans.us/alabama.html#:~:text=Alabama%20Rx%20Card%20is%20a,on%20pre%2Dexisting%20health%20conditions.
The Alabama Department of Senior Services also offers SeniorRX, a prescription medication assistance program that has helped thousands of Alabamians receive FREE or LOW-COST prescription medications from pharmaceutical companies. You can learn more at: https://alabamaageline.gov/seniorx/
You can also check with your local Area Agency on Aging in Alabama to find out what additional programs may be offered to you in your specific community.
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