We have often found that the problem is not a lack of free prescription assistance programs, but rather a lack of education about the programs that are available to provide prescription assistance. This is surely the case in Louisiana.

The state of Louisiana has a program called SenioRXx that was created to help seniors get relief from the burden of prescription medication costs.

The program is SenioRx, begun about four years ago through the Governor’s Office on Elderly Affairs. Its mission: Help eligible seniors obtain the prescription medications they need at no or very low cost to them.

The SenioRx program is now touring the state to try and raise awareness for the help that’s available to them. The situations that seniors often find themselves in is often grave:

“A lot of seniors cut their pills in half or take one a week when they should take it more often.”

In order to get help, patients need to be at least 60 years old, have an annual income “of $29,400 annually ($2,450 monthly) for a one-person household or $39,600 annually ($3,300 monthly) for a two-person household.” Those eligible must have no prescription drug coverage.” The program assists in completing all of the paperwork - the patient just needs to pick up the medication from their doctor.

As the article points out, the importance of this assistance goes beyond immediate relief of prescription costs. The reality is that seniors can expect more and more medication costs as they age, so it’s critical that they raise awareness right now so they are taken care of in the future.

To be sure, seniors understand illness will come and the need for increased medications may grow. Access to prescription drug assistance helps them to better manage their health and ease financial strain.

Kudos to the state of Louisiana for creating programs for prescription assistance and finding ways to spread the word about the help that’s available. We hope that all states follow your great example.

In order to understand how it’s possible to receive free and low cost medication from the pharmaceutical companies, the first step is understanding exactly what a Patient Assistance Program (PAP) is and how it can help you.

PAPs are programs run independently by pharmaceutical companies. They offer free and low cost prescription medications - the same medications found in pharmacies around the country - to low income, indigent, and uninsured people. These programs provide much-needed support for those who cannot afford their medication costs, but most people are still not aware that these programs exist.

Each company runs its program differently with different deadlines, qualification criteria and procedures. While just about all use income as one of their qualifying factors, they all have different levels of eligibility. So if you do not qualify for one program because you make too much money, it’s possible that you can apply for another program with a similar medication (as directed by your doctor) that has higher income limits. Check with your individual free drug program to find out if you might qualify.

These programs are designed to help, yet so many of those who need the assistance aren’t aware that help is out there.

Do you have any specific questions or comments about Patient Assistance Programs? Do you have a story to share about your journey to free medicine? Please share it with us!