Buying Prescription Drugs

The cost of prescription drugs can be very high. Here are some ways you may be able to lower the cost:

1. Apply for state pharmacy programs.
   The State of Vermont has two programs that can help some people pay for prescription drugs. One is for uninsured Vermonters and one is for people with Medicare Part D. For more information, call 1-800-250-8427 or visit the Department of Vermont Health Access website.
2. Apply for the Health Assistance Program (HAP).
   The University of Vermont Health Network (UVMHN) has a Health Assistance Program (HAP) that lowers the cost of prescription drugs. To qualify, you must be a patient at a hospital that is part of the UVMHN. The network includes the UVM Medical Center, Central Vermont Medical Center and Porter Medical Center. There are in-person pharmacies and mail order. Eligibility is based on household size and monthly income. To find out if you are eligible, call HAP at 802-847-6984.
3. Ask your doctor for free samples.
   Let your doctor know that you are having trouble paying for your prescriptions. Ask if they have free samples of any of your drugs. Prescription drug companies often send free samples to doctors.
4. Ask your doctor if there is a generic drug that will work for you.
   Sometimes the generic form of a drug will cost less than the brand name. Stores like Hannaford, Walmart, Shaw’s, Walgreens, Rite Aid, Price Chopper and Costco often carry generic drugs at their pharmacies.
5. Ask a health clinic if they offer financial help for prescriptions.
   There are many health clinics in Vermont. Many of them will give people free or low-cost prescription drugs. You can find free clinics, federally qualified health centers and Planned Parenthood clinics on this web page. Or, call the Office of Health Care Advocate at 1-800-917-7787 for help finding a clinic.
6. Apply for General Assistance (GA).
   General Assistance can help low-income people in emergency situations. If you need prescription drugs but cannot pay for them, you can go to your local Department for Children and Families (DCF) Economic Services Division (ESD) office to apply. If you are found eligible, they will pay for your drugs. Follow this link for a list of DCF-ESD office locations.
7. Order your prescriptions from a mail order pharmacy.
   If you know you will continue taking a medicine for a long time, it’s usually cheaper to order a big supply from a mail order pharmacy. Ask your insurance company if they have a mail order pharmacy option.
8. Apply for a Vermont Rx Card.
   This is a pharmacy discount card for Vermont residents. Visit the Rx Card website for details.
9. Look for coupons and discounts through organizations and drug companies.
   Some companies that make prescription drugs have programs that will help people who are uninsured or low-income. To find out if the company that makes your drug offers a discount program, call the company directly or ask these organizations for help:

10. Apply for help from Rx Outreach.
    Rx Outreach offers some prescription drugs for $20 for a 180-day (6-month) supply. For more information, call 1-800-769-3880 or visit the Rx Outreach website. To qualify, your household income must be less than 400% of the federal poverty level (see the chart below). If you are approved, you can order medications through RxOutreach with a valid prescription from your doctor. This is a nonprofit, mail-order pharmacy program.

11. Check the prices at different pharmacies.

• Price Chopper Pharmacy provides some free diabetes drugs and antibiotics (with a valid prescription). For more information, visit the Price Chopper website. You can find the number for your local Price Chopper online, or by calling 1-800-666-7667 Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Costco may offer your prescription at a cheaper price. You do not have to be a member to get a prescription filled at Costco. For more information, call 1-800-607-6861 or visit the Costco website.
• Other pharmacies may have their own discount prescription programs. For example, Walmart Pharmacy has a $4 prescription program and a $10 program for 90-day prescriptions. Ask your pharmacist for more information and consult with your doctor about writing prescriptions for 30- or 90-day supplies to maximize your discount.