If you have found yourself in the Medicare prescription gap and need to pay for your medication out of pocket, you may be worried that you won’t be able to continue taking them. The good news is that there is assistance out there for you while you are in the prescription gap.
- The first thing you should do is apply for Extra Help through the Social Security Administration website. This program provides individuals in financial need with assistance with deductibles, co-pays and the cost of medication during the gap.
- Another option is to ask your doctor about switching your prescriptions to lower costing medication or generics. Generics are the same as brand names at a significantly lower price.
- You can also ask your doctor if he/she has samples you can use during the gap. Don’t feel bad for asking because they understand the strife that Medicare recipients face during this time and they receive these samples free from representatives from drug companies so there is no cost to the doctor.
- Many communities have started programs especially for Medicare recipients to help them pay for prescriptions. You can contact social services in your area or senior centers for more information on these programs.
Do you have any other ideas on how Medicare recipients can pay for their medications whether its during the gap or because their policy includes a high co-pay they cannot afford? Leave a comment and let us know your tricks!
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Thu, Jun 25, 2009
Health Insurance