Prescription Help for Those Served By Medicare
The chemo protocol for my dad's colon cancer includes Leucovoran, 5Fu and Gemzar, weekly for 6 weeks and then a one week respite and then 6 additional weeks. Hopefully, he will need none of the above prescriptions.
I am sure prescription drug costs are a problem for many senior citizens. Why the government is doing nothing about this situation is horrific. In the meantime, several of the pharmaceutical companies have instituted prescription discount cards for their drugs. Discounts range from 10-40% on specific products and there are required guidelines for each company. I will list what I've found and continue to search for more prescription discounts, as well as to find some background info on why this is allowed to happen.
I know that the pharmaceutical companies have certain drugs available on an extremely limited basis as "compassionate use", but I believe this is for drugs off-study and does not usually include anti-emetics, blood boosters, etc.
It is awful and makes me furious to think that you might not be able to take the one pill that works for you, simply because you can not afford it.
Here are the pharmaceutical companies that offer some type of discount program:
NOVARTIS Total annual income under $26,000 individual, $35,000 couples. No other prescription drug coverage. Card is free. Average savings 25%. NOVARTIS drugs include Cafergot, Clozaril, CombiPatch, Comtan, Diovan, Estraderm, Exelon, Famvir, Flior4icet, Fiorinal, Foradil, Lamisil, Lamprene, Lescol, Lopressor, Lotensin, Lotrel, Methergine, Miacalcin, Migranal, Parlodel, Sansert, Starlix, Tegretol, Trileptal, Voltaren, Vivelle http://www.novartis.com.carecard
GLAXOSMITHKLINE Same regulations as above. Card is free. Average savings 25%. Drugs include Advair, Augmentin, Avandia, Bactroban, Combivir, Coreg, Epivir, Eskalith, Flonase, Flovent, Imitrex, Lamictal, Lanoxin, Paxil, Requip, Serevent, Trizivir, Valtrex, Wellbutrin, Ziagen, Zogran Pick up application at local physician's office or call 1-888-ORANGE6 or write to Orange Card Program PO Box 7812, Ocala, Florida 34478-9805
GENOVESE/ECKERD SENIOR SELECT 15% off prescriptions, all Eckerd products and photo processing. Includes newsletter, free healthcare consulations via phone and free blood pressure testing. Not valid in some states. No financial restrictions. Pick up application at local store.
MERCK Under $18,000 individually, $24,000 couple, $35,000 family of 4. No other prescription coverage. You fill out application and your doctor fills out his section of the form. You must have a prescription from the doctor for a Merck product. You may order up to 3 different prescriptions on 1 form and your doctor may order a 3 month supply with 3 refills. Drugs included in this program include Blocadren, Clinoril, Cosopt,
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