Some Medicare HMOs now cover prescription medications. If you do not have Medicaid or other insurance for your medication and you have prescriptions for cardiovascular problems, diabetes, or arthritis, you may be able to receive assistance through the Circuit Breaker Pharmaceutical Card program. Other Medication Help Many pharmaceutical manufacturing companies have Low Income Medication Assistance programs for persons who need medications, but cannot afford them, and who are not otherwise eligible for insurance or governmental medical assistance in paying for their medications. These assistance programs vary somewhat from company to company, and are subject to change. Generally, the prescribing physician initiates the application process by completing a form supplied to him or her by the pharmaceutical company.
Eligibility is determined on a case by case basis.
Supplies are sent to the prescribing physician to give to the patient. If you have medical bills that you are unable to pay and would like legal advice about your options, call the legal services office serving your county. If you are denied Medicare or Medicaid assistance, you have the right to appeal. There are time limits for such appeals. If you need legal advice or assistance, Prairie State Legal Services and Land of Lincoln Legal Assistance Foundation offer such help at no charge.