here are some links for financial medical help...pick out the ones you need.. Financial Aid for Health care for uninsured people Consumer Guides for Getting and Keeping Insurance http://www.healthinsuranceinfo.net/ (by state) When you don’t have money to get the care you need: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/financialassistance.html http://ask.hrsa.gov/pc/ http://www.omhrc.gov/templates/browse.aspx?lvl=2&lvlID=18 http://www.hrsa.gov/help/default.htm http://www.thefrugallife.com/medicalalternative.html http://www.google.com/search?q=Free+Low+Cost+Medical+Health+Services+&hl=en&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&start=10&sa=N Free and low cost prescription medication: http://www.nami.org/Template.cfm?section=about_medications&Template=/ContentManagement/contentDisplay.cfm&ContentID=19169 (national alliance for mental illness) http://www.themedicineprogram.com/links.html (the medicine program) https://www.pparx.org/Intro.php (partnership for prescription alliance) http://www.rxassist.org/providers/resources.cfm (resource list of help) AIDS and HIV medication help 1. Abbott Virology Patient Assistance Program: Due to the life-threatening nature of HIV infection, the complexity of overall care, and the critical need for continuity of antiretroviral therapy, the Abbott Virology PAP was designed with several unique attributes. These provisions ensure that patients impacted by HIV have access to Abbott’s two protease inhibitors. Eligibility criteria vary by medication.Call (800) 222-6885 or visit https://www.pparx.org/ViewProgramDetails.php?program_id=312 (medicines and eligibility) Abbott Virology Patient Assistance Program D-31C, AP52 200 Abbott Park Road Abbott Park, IL 60064-6214 1-(800) 222-6885 (phone) 1-(866) 483-1305 (fax) 2. Roche HIV Therapy Assistance program Roche Patient Assistance Foundation at 1-877-75-ROCHE. https://www.pparx.org/ViewProgramDetails.php?program_id=53 (medicines and eligibility) 3. PPA list of programs https://www.pparx.org/ViewCompanies.php (list of PPA programs by company and states) Partnership for Prescription Assistance (PPA) The Partnership for Prescription Assistance brings together America's pharmaceutical companies, doctors, other health care providers, patient advocacy organizations and community groups to help qualifying patients who lack prescription coverage get the medicines they need through the public or private program that's right for them. Many will get them free or nearly free. https://www.pparx.org/ViewCompanies.php (list of programs by company and states) Together Rx A FREE prescription-savings card for eligible residents of the United States and Puerto Rico who have no prescription drug coverage. A public service program created and sponsored by a group of some of the world’s largest pharmaceutical companies.This drug discount card is sponsored by 10 major pharmaceutical companies--Abbott Laboratories, AstraZeneca, Bristol Meyers Squibb, Glaxo Smith Kline, Johnson & Johnson, Novartis, Pfizer, Sanofi Aventis, Takeda and TAP Pharmaceuticals. The card is free and offers a 25%-40%* discount on over 300 brand-name and generic prescription drugs as well as other prescription products, such as glucose test strips. To apply you cannot be eligible for Medicare, cannot have prescription drug coverage (public or private), must have a household income equal to or less than $30,000 for one person, $40,000 for a family of two, $50,000 for a family of three, $60,000 for a family of four or $70,000 for a family of five and must be a legal US resident. For more information call 1-800-444-4106 or visit: http://www.togetherrxaccess.com/about.htm. (Together Access- prescription help for the uninsured) http://www.togetherrxaccess.com/druglist.html (medicines list…click on letters to the left to find your med) http://www.togetherrxaccess.com/pdf/TRx_Access_Enroll.pdf (application) RXAssist - Patient Assistance Center RxAssist offers a comprehensive database of these patient assistance programs, as well as practical tools, news, and articles so that health care professionals and patients can find the information they need. RxHope RxHope is the only patient assistance Internet initiative financially supported by PhRMA (Pharmaceutical and Research Manufacturers of America) and participating pharmaceutical companies. NeedyMeds.com NeedyMeds provides information for people who need help with the cost of medicine and other healthcare expenses. AARP State-by-State, Plan-by-Plan List of Pharmacy Assistance Programs http://www.aarp.org/bulletin/prescription/statebystate.html (list of plans by AARP) Retail outlets programs- http://www.rxassist.org/providers/documents/Kmart-01-17-07.pdf (K-Mart low cost generics list) http://www.rxassist.org/providers/documents/TargetGenericsProgramDrugList.pdf (Target low cost generics list) http://i.walmart.com/i/if/hmp/fusion/genericdruglist.pdf (Walmart/ Sam’s club low cost generics list) http://www.rxassist.org/providers/documents/NewGenericsList-4-6-07.xls (RxOutreach/Xubex low cost generics list) Drug Company programs- Individual Company Patient Assistance Programs 1.Abbott Patient Assistance Program The Abbott Patient Assistance Program (PAP) provides Abbott medications, at no cost, to patients in financial need.1-866-972-7863 or fax at 1-866-207-2786. http://www.abbott.com/global/url/content/en_US/40.40.20.3:3/general_content/General_Content_00066.htm (eligibility) http://www.rxassist.org/providers/documents/AbbottDiabetesCare_000.pdf (application for PAP) Abbott Patient Assistance Program 1420 Harbor Bay Parkway Alameda, CA 94502 Eligibility for the Abbott Virology Patient Assistance Program: Due to the life-threatening nature of HIV infection, the complexity of overall care, and the critical need for continuity of antiretroviral therapy, the Abbott Virology PAP was designed with several unique attributes. These provisions ensure that patients impacted by HIV have access to Abbott’s two protease inhibitors. Eligibility criteria vary by medication. For more information about this program, call (800) 222-6885 or visit https://www.pparx.org/Intro.php Abbott Diabetes Care Patient Assistance Program The Abbott Diabetes Care Patient Assistance Program offers assistance on blood glucose meters and strips to low-income patients in the United States. In 2006, more than 5,200 patients were approved for assistance at a retail value of approximately $425,000. We donated nearly 3,500 blood glucose meters and more than 35,000 boxes of blood glucose strips. Customer Care Phone Number (888) 522-5226. Office Phone Number(510) 749-5400 Write Us: Abbott Diabetes Care, Inc 1360 South Loop Road Alameda, CA 94502 For more information about this program, visit www.abbottdiabetescare.com. Ross Patient Assistance Program The Ross Patient Assistance Program offers assistance on metabolic and nutritional products to low-income or uninsured patients in the United States. In 2006, nearly 2,000 patients received products valued at more than $900,000.1-888-4PPA-NOW (477-2669) For more information about this program, visit www.pparx.org. 2.AstraZeneca Patient Assistance Program AstraZeneca's assistance programs. Questions? call 1-800-424-3727. http://www.astrazeneca-us.com/content/patientAssistance/patientAssistanceProgram/default.asp?id= (eligibility) http://www.astrazeneca-us.com/content/patientAssistance/patientAssistanceProgram/astrazeneca-medicine-list.asp?id= (medicine list) http://www.astrazeneca-us.com/content/patientAssistance/patientAssistanceProgram/astrazeneca-how-to-apply.asp?id= (to apply for PAP) http://www.astrazeneca-us.com/content/patientAssistance/patientAssistanceProgram/pdf/243041%20PAP%20English%20Application.pdf (online application) 3.Bridge to Access GlaxoSmithKline’s patient assistance program for non-oncology medicines, provides GSK prescription medicines to eligible low-income patients without prescription drug benefits. To apply via phone, call 1-866-PATIENT to receive by fax or mail. http://www.bridgestoaccess.com/enrollment/eligibility_criteria.html (eligibility) http://www.bridgestoaccess.com/ProductList (medicine list- This list may not be complete. If you do not see your GlaxoSmithKline medicine listed, please call 1-888-825-5249, M-F 8AM-8PM ET.) http://www.bridgestoaccess.com/forms/enrollment_forms.jsp (enrollment forms) http://www.bridgestoaccess.com/getting_products/retail_fill.html (how to get your first refill) http://www.bridgestoaccess.com/getting_products/obtain_refill.html (how to get subsequent refills) Each subsequent refill must be requested by calling 1-866-PATIENT at least three weeks before the patient’s existing supply of medicine is completed. http://www.bridgestoaccess.com/PatientEnrollment?pageFunction=FORMPATIENT (online form for application) 4. Lilly Direct Patient Assistance Programs Eli Lilly and Company index of all company programs to assist patients with prescription drug costs. For further details about the program and application materials, please visit the LillyMedicalAnswers website or call toll free 1-877-RX-LILLY (1-877-795-4559) Lilly’s Medicare answers program http://www.lilly.com/products/access/direct_patient.html (eligibility) http://www.lillymedicareanswers.com/lilly_medicare_answers_program2.jsp?reqNavId=1.3 (medicine list and eligibility) http://www.lillymedicareanswers.com/pdf/lma_application.pdf (application) Lilly’s Lilly Cares program Lilly Cares is a patient assistance program provided by Lilly. As part of the company's efforts to provide access to our products for legal U.S. residents regardless of their ability to pay, we created a program to offer free medication, through physicians, to patients who are otherwise unable to obtain our products. Lilly Cares assists patients who are uninsured and whose income is less than 200 percent of the federal poverty level. Most Lilly products are available through the program. Eligibility is based on the patient's inability to pay and lack of third-party drug payment assistance, including insurance, Medicaid and government, community, or private programs and cannot be eligible for Medicare. Applications are available to anyone and must be completed and signed by the patient and the physician. Patients can download a blank application from the Lilly Cares website or applications can be faxed to you by calling 1-800-545-6962. http://www.lillycares.com/index.jsp (medicines , incl. Insulin and eligibility) http://www.lillycares.com/pdf/lilly_cares_application.pdf (application) Lilly Cares PO Box 230999 Centerville, VA 20120 1-(800) 545-6962 (phone) Physician requests should be directed to: Lilly Cares P.O. Box 230999 Centreville, VA 20120 1-(800) 545-6962 (phone) 5. MerkHelps Merck's Prescription Discount Program This drug discount card helps those without prescription insurance save 15% to 40% on selected Merck medicines. Enrolling in the program is free. There are no income or age requirements but you must be a legal U.S. resident to be eligible. To contact the Merck Patient Assistance Program , call 800-727-5400 8:00 AM–8:00 PM ET, Monday through Friday.Physicians and other healthcare professionals inquiring about the Patient Assistance Program may contact Merck by calling 1-800-994-2111. http://www.merck.com/merckhelps/uninsured/home.html (Merck Prescription Discount plan for the Uninsured) http://www.merck.com/merckhelps/patientassistance/qualify.html (eligibility) http://www.merck.com/merckhelps/patientassistance/qualify.html (medicine list) http://www.merck.com/merckhelps/patientassistance/english_enrollment.pdf (application) 6.Novartis Patient Assistance Program Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation's Patient Assistance Program (PAP) provides assistance to patients experiencing financial hardship who have no third party insurance coverage for their medicines. You or your physician can call Novartis at 1-800-277-2254. http://www.pharma.us.novartis.com/novartis/pap/pap.jsp?usertrack.filter_applied=true&NovaId=3350119488824466892 (eligibility and medicine list) http://www.pharma.us.novartis.com/novartis/medicare.jsp (assistance for transplant or oncology patients and some other situations with Medicare D recipients) Oncology and transplant patients should call 800-942-3424 and all others should call 800-620-3292. http://www.pharma.us.novartis.com/novartis/pap/pap_other_products_enroll.jsp (applying…call ) http://www.pharma.us.novartis.com/novartis/pap/pap_enrollment_application.pdf (online application) 7.Ortho-McNeil, Inc. Patient Assistance Program Ortho-McNeil provides assistance to patients who, because of financial burden and lack of prescription drug coverage, may have difficulty paying for their treatment. Call a Patient Assistance Program Specialist at 1-800-652-6227, Monday through Friday, 9 am to 5 pm, Eastern Time.Please call our program at 1-800-652-6227 with any questions regarding the application or enrollment process. http://www.ortho-mcneil.com/html/comi2/company_pap_ortho-mcneil.jsp;jsessionid=U0JJF0QJWCGJ4CQPCCFTC0YKB2IIQNSC (eligibility) http://www.ortho-mcneil.com/active/janus/en_US/assets/common/company/pap_app.pdf (appplication and list of covered medicines…change to 100% view to read it better) 8. Pfizer Patient Assistance Pfizer Helpful Answers™ Pfizer Helpful Answers is a family of programs that helps people without prescription save on many Pfizer medicines, no matter their age or income. People with limited incomes might even qualify to get their Pfizer medicines for free. Lower income individuals who have insurance coverage for prescription medicines – such as Medicare, Medicaid or other private insurance – may still be eligible for assistance for their Pfizer medicines if they are experiencing significant financial or medical hardship. For more information, call toll free 1-866-706-2400 visit www.PfizerHelpfulAnswers.com An index of patient assistance programs offered by Pfizer, Inc. Call: 1-866-776-3700 http://www.pfizer.com/pfizer/subsites/philanthropy/access/us.programs.index.jsp (list of all Pfizer programs for medicine help) http://www.pfizerhelpfulanswers.com/pages/Find/findall.aspx (overview list of all Pfizer programs for the uninsured) Pfizer’s Connection to Care Connection to Care provides Pfizer medicines for free to qualified patients through their doctor's office. Call: 1-866-776-3700…(allows hardship exceptions) Customer Service: Phone 800-707-8990 http://www.pfizerhelpfulanswers.com/pages/Programs/medicines.aspx?p=2 (list of medicines) http://www.pfizerhelpfulanswers.com/files/C2C_English.pdf (application and covered medicines) Pfizer Connection To Care PO BOX 66585 St. Louis, MO 63166-6585 Sharing the Care Sharing the Care provides Pfizer medicines for free to eligible patients through participating community health centers. To find a health center near you, call the Partnership for Prescription Assistance at 1-888-477-2669, then contact the health center to apply. http://www.pfizerhelpfulanswers.com/pages/Programs/programdetails.aspx?p=109 (eligibility) http://www.pfizerhelpfulanswers.com/pages/Programs/medicines.aspx?p=109 (list of medicines) Pfizer Hospital Partnership program Free Pfizer medicines through participating hospitals to apply. http://www.pfizerhelpfulanswers.com/pages/Programs/programdetails.aspx?p=108 (eligibility) http://www.pfizerhelpfulanswers.com/pages/Programs/medicines.aspx?p=108 (list of medicines) Pfizer's "Pfizer Pfriends" This program helps those without prescription insurance save 15% to 50% on most Pfizer medicines at the pharmacy. Enrolling in the program is free. Eligibility and benefit levels will be determined by the applicant's income, depending on individual or family status. You must be a legal U.S. resident to participate. To apply call 1-866-776-3700. 1-877-447-4600 http://www.pfizerhelpfulanswers.com/pages/Programs/programdetails.aspx?p=1 (program details) http://www.pfizerhelpfulanswers.com/pages/Programs/medicines.aspx?p=1 (list of medicines) http://www.pfizerhelpfulanswers.com/files/PP_English.pdf (application and covered medicines) Pfizer Pfriends PO Box 12041 Trenton, NJ 08650-9634. Pfizer’s First Resource FirstRESOURCE provides reimbursement and appeals assistance to insured patients. It also provides free Pfizer medicines to eligible uninsured and underinsured patients. There are several different ways to get your medicine, depending on the medicine you take. Free Pfizer medicines plus reimbursement and appeals assistance To learn more and to apply, call 1-877-744-5675. http://www.pfizerhelpfulanswers.com/pages/Programs/programdetails.aspx?p=7 (eligibility and medicines) Pfizer Bridge Program Free Pfizer medicines plus reimbursement and appeals assistance. Call 1-800-645-1280 to apply in this program http://www.pfizerhelpfulanswers.com/pages/Programs/programdetails.aspx?p=8 (eligibility and medicines) Pfizer RSVP Zyvox, Vfend, Revation program Free Pfizer medicines plus reimbursement and appeals assistance. Call 1-888-327-7787 for assistance for RSVP http://www.pfizerhelpfulanswers.com/pages/Programs/programdetails.aspx?p=12 (eligibility and medicines) 9. Roche U.S. Pharmaceuticals Assistance Program Roche program providing company drugs, free, to patients who lack prescription coverage and the means to pay for the medications they need. To learn more about the Roche Patient Assistance Foundation and our individual product programs, call our toll-free number 1-877-75ROCHE (877-757-6243). http://www.rocheusa.com/programs/patientassist.asp (some of the medicines listed) 10. Schering-Plough Patient Assistance Programs Schering-Plough assists patients in securing drug reimbursement as well as providing lifesaving drugs at no cost to people with low incomes through our patient assistance programs. http://www.schering-plough.com/schering_plough/pc/patient_programs.jsp (overview) Schering-Plough Commitment to Care Program Covers company cancer, hepatitis and anti-fungal drugs. 1-800-521-7157 http://www.schering-plough.com/schering_plough/pc/commitment_care.jsp (eligibility and medicines) http://www.schering-plough.com/pdf/commitapp.pdf (application) Schering-Plough S-P Cares Program SP-Cares helps low-income patients who do not have commercial prescription drug insurance coverage. The program also helps low-income Medicare beneficiaries who have spent up to 2% of their household income out of pocket to purchase their prescription medications this year. The program provides eligible patients with access to Schering-Plough allergy, asthma, dermatology and cardiovascular prescription products (our cancer, hepatitis and anti-fungal drugs are available through the Commitment to Care program). Physicians, patients or their advocates can call the Patient Assistance Program toll free number or click on the link below for an application. The physician and patient then jointly complete the application and return it for review and approval. If approved, up to a three-month supply of the requested product is sent to the physician to be dispensed to the patient in need. In 2006, the program distributed pharmaceuticals free of charge to more than 100,000 patients. To apply for the S-P Cares Patient Assistance Program, patients call toll free: 1-800-656-9485 http://www.schering-plough.com/schering_plough/pc/sp_cares.jsp (overview) http://www.schering-plough.com/pdf/patient_assistance.pdf (enrollment form) http://www.schering-plough.com/pdf/physician_reorder.pdf (physician medication reorder form) What are discount pharmacy services? Some stores have discount pharmacy services. For example, Kmart pharmacies have a 90 day generics program for $15, available anywhere in the country where there is a Kmart pharmacy. Costco, Sam’s Club, Giant Eagle, Meijer’s and BJ’s pharmacies often have competitive prices. Membership is not required to use the pharmacy services. Costco has a mail order pharmacy service, with no additional charges for standard shipping. Are there patient assistance programs for generic medications? Yes. Xubex and RxOutreach both offer patient assistance programs for generic drugs. These programs differ from all other patient assistance programs in that they are not offered by the pharmaceutical manufacturer of the drug. They are programs that include several different generic drugs which are purchased by the company and then made available for a fee to low income individuals. Both companies have income requirements to be eligible and both charge a fee to receive the medication. Xubex charges shipping and handling as well. 1.Rx Outreach ( http://www.rxoutreach.com/?s=2&e=103 Rx Outreach offers 125 different medications available in a 90 day supply at a cost of either $20, $30 or $40, depending on the medication. In order to be eligible, your household income must be below 250% of the Federal Poverty Level. Rx Outreach information and applications can be found at http:// www.RxAssist.org (apply for rxoutreach here) http://www.rxassist.org/faqs/default.cfm#13 (overview and eligibility) http://www.rxassist.org/faqs/documents/Newgenericslist-9-19Web.xls (chart of medications available thru xubex and rx outreach) Rx Outreach Express Scripts Specialty Distribution Services, Inc. PO Box 66536 Saint Louis, MO 63166-6536 Customer Service: 1-800-769-3880 Hours are 7:00 am - 5:30 pm CST Mon-Fri email: rxoutreach@express-scripts.com 2. Xubex Pharmaceutical Services (http://www.xubex.com/) Xubex makes 97 medications available and has two pricing levels, depending on the medication: $20/$30 for a 90 day supply, $40/$60 for a 180 day supply and $80/$120for a 360 day supply. Xubex adds a $3.85 shipping and handling fee for each order. 1-866-699-8239. http://www.xubex.com/ http://www.rxassist.org/faqs/default.cfm#13 (overview and eligibility) http://www.rxassist.org/faqs/documents/Newgenericslist-9-19Web.xls (chart of medications available thru xubex and rx outreach) Xubex information and applications can be found at Xubex P.O. Box 1244 Winter Park, FL 32790-1244 Phone: 407-478-2663 Fax: 407-671-7960 email:info@Xubex.com Disease Specific Help- http://www.rxassist.org/providers/documents/Co-PayAssistance_000.doc (Diseases with support available for copay assistance) http://www.rxassist.org/providers/documents/Lowcostdiabeticandothe-1.doc (low cost diabetic supplies) http://www.rxassist.org/providers/documents/AbbottDiabetesCare_000.pdf (Abbott Diabetes care assistance program) WHERE CAN I FIND LOW COST DIABETIC SUPPLIES? Abbott Diabetes Care Patient Assistance Program This program assists financially disadvantaged individuals who meet certain income criteria. The Abbott Diabetes Care application can be found at http://www.rxassist.org/providers/documents/AbbottDiabetesCare_000.pdf or call 866-224-8887. Bayer Receive your FREE diabetes Care Kit which includes Ascensia® blood glucose meter, Lancet device, carrying case and strips. Must be 14 years of age or older to receive this offer. This offer is open to US Residents only. https://secure.xubex.com/apply/diabetes.aspx (free diabetes care kit through www.xubex.com) IPump.org, Inc. (http://www.ipump.org) offers limited reimbursement for diabetes medications, supplies, and insulin to persons who qualify under their "ERMA" (Emergency Request for Medical Assistance) program. They also offer limited monthly financial assistance to qualifying persons to help cover the cost of insulin, diabetes medications and supplies. Persons may only receive financial assistance through one program and no more than once per year. Under their "REDS" program eligible persons may receive certain free diabetes and insulin pump supplies. Contact the Assistance Program Director, program-director@ipump.org for more information about programs currently funded. Islets of Hope http://www.isletsofhope.com/diabetes/assistance-programs/main_1.html lists comprehensive assistance programs by state, as well as international resources for other countries. Includes private, corporate, and government programs. Click on “Assistance Programs” in their pull-down menu. Islets of hope also has a guidebook describing assistance programs for diabetes supplies, insulin pumps, medication, etc http://www.isletsofhope.com/pdf/diabetes-assistance-programs.pdf (overview and details) http://www.isletsofhope.com/diabetes/assistance-programs/find-diabetes-assistance-1.html (tips on finding more help for uninsured people in general) Lilly’s Lilly Cares program Lilly Cares is a patient assistance program provided by Lilly. As part of the company's efforts to provide access to our products for legal U.S. residents regardless of their ability to pay, we created a program to offer free medication, through physicians, to patients who are otherwise unable to obtain our products. Lilly Cares assists patients who are uninsured and whose income is less than 200 percent of the federal poverty level. Most Lilly products are available through the program. Eligibility is based on the patient's inability to pay and lack of third-party drug payment assistance, including insurance, Medicaid and government, community, or private programs and cannot be eligible for Medicare. Applications are available to anyone and must be completed and signed by the patient and the physician. Patients can download a blank application from the Lilly Cares website or applications can be faxed to you by calling 1-800-545-6962. http://www.lillycares.com/index.jsp (medicines , incl. Insulin and eligibility) http://www.lillycares.com/pdf/lilly_cares_application.pdf (application) Lilly Cares PO Box 230999 Centerville, VA 20120 1-(800) 545-6962 (phone) Physician requests should be directed to: Lilly Cares P.O. Box 230999 Centreville, VA 20120 1-(800) 545-6962 (phone) Novo/Nordisk Diabetes Patient Assistance Program Patient must be a legal US resident and must not have or qualify for any government prescription coverage such as Medicare Part D, Medicaid, Veteran's Administration or any state or local programs which cover the Novo Nordisk product requested. Patient cannot have nor qualify for any private prescription coverage such as an HMO or PPO.Approved patients will receive a 90-day supply of medication sent to the physician's office. A new application must be submitted with each request. Income documentation is only required annually. https://www.pparx.org/ViewProgramDetails.php?program_id=249 (medicine and insulin list) https://www.pparx.org/resources/2007-03-01.Novo_Nordisk.Novo_Nordisk_Diabetes_Patient_Assistance_Program.440.pdf (application and eligibility) Novo Nordisk Patient Assistance Program PO Box 181640 Louisville, KY 40261 1-(866) 310-7549 (phone) 1-(866) 441-4190 (fax) How to apply for Medicaid or medicare http://www.cms.hhs.gov/MedicaidEligibility/ http://www.aarp.org/money/lowincomehelp/applying_for_medicaid.html http://www.rxassist.org/providers/resources.cfm#medicaregeneral (help with problems with Medicare part D) http://www.cms.hhs.gov/default.asp? (medicare and Medicaid page) For information about Social Security, Medicare, and disability benefits, call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213. http://www.ssa.gov/ http://www.ssa.gov/disability/professionals/bluebook/index.htm (filing Social security disability online) http://www.disabilityfacts.com/ (SSDI) E -mail: dfacts@earthlink.net This organization provides information, publications, and workshops on Social Security Disability issues. http://www.siteboxparking.com/?dp=www.disabilityresource.com&aid=40118 (disability resource links) http://www.disabilityinfo.gov/digov-public/public/DisplayPage.do?parentFolderId=500 (disability info) For information about Medicaid, contact your local social service or welfare office. You can also find information about Medicare and Medicaid at http://www.CMS.gov http://www.cms.hhs.gov/default.asp? How To Pay for Mental Health Services http://mentalhealth.samhsa.gov/publications/allpubs/KEN98-0050/default.asp http://depression.about.com/cs/findadoc/a/freelowcosttx.htm Additional Public Benefits for Families Raising Children: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/financialassistance.html DENTAL HELP: Free or low cost dental care United States http://www.nidcr.nih.gov/NR/rdonlyres/53F91091-23DB-47F3-8782-6572C33F9D42/0/LowCostFactsheet.pdf http://www.raconline.org/info_guides/dental/dentalfaq.php FREE AND LOW COST DENTAL HELP FOR DENTURES , BROKEN TEETH , PAIN , ETC. http://dental-assistance.app-sl-1.aidpage.com/dental-assistance/ Need eyeglasses or eye care? http://www.nei.nih.gov/health/financialaid.asp http://www.uniteforsight.org/freeclinics.php How to Get a Free or Low Cost Pap Smear, The National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program provides free or low cost Pap smears to eligible women across the country. Through this program, uninsured and impoverished women can receive Pap smears at local clinics and doctor's offices. Here’s a list for every state: http://cancer.about.com/od/screeninganddiagnosis/a/freepapsmear.htm Low Cost or Free Mammograms and pap tests in your area National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program for low-income women provides free or low-cost mammograms and Pap tests. Find a free or low-cost mammogram and Pap test in your State http://apps.nccd.cdc.gov/cancercontacts/nbccedp/contacts.asp (free or low cost mammograms and pap by state) Where can I go to get free or reduced-cost prenatal care? You can call this number if you need free birth control help, too! Women in every state can get help to pay for medical care during their pregnancies. This prenatal care can help you have a healthy baby. Every state in the United States has a program to help. Programs give medical care, information, advice and other services important for a healthy pregnancy. To find out about the program in your state: ·Call 1-800-311-BABY (1-800-311-2229) This toll-free telephone number will connect you to the Health Department in your area code ·For information in Spanish, call 1-800-504-7081 ·Call or contact your local Health Department Community health centers provide health care regardless of your ability to pay and even if you have no health insurance. Find the community health center closest to you. Phone the community health center for more information or to make an appointment. http://ask.hrsa.gov/pc/ (list of neighbor health centers near you) Hill-Burton obligated facilities provide free or reduced-cost services to those who are unable to pay. Each facility chooses which services it will provide at no or lowered cost and who will receive them. Eligibility for Hill-Burton is based on family size and income. You may apply at a Hill-Burton obligated facility for free or reduced-cost care either before or after you receive care. Find Hill-Burton obligated facilities. Apply for free or reduced-cost care at the Hill-Burton obligated facility. Hill Burton Hotline 1-800-638-0742 (1-800-492-0359 in Maryland) In 1946, Congress passed a law that gave hospitals, nursing homes and other health facilities grants and loans for construction and modernization. In return, they agreed to provide a reasonable volume of services to persons unable to pay and to make their services available to all persons residing in the facility’s area. The program stopped providing funds in 1997, but about 300 health care facilities nationwide are still obligated to provide free or reduced-cost care. http://www.hrsa.gov/help/default.htm (list of Hill Burton obligated facilities by state) State medical assistance programs help people with incomes under certain limits pay for prescription medications, visits to the doctor, hospitalizations, and insurance premiums. Each program is different and not all States have medical assistance programs. Contact your local department of social services or a local hospital's social worker to see if your State has a program and if you might be eligible to apply. Rotary Clubs, which provide humanitarian and educational assistance Elks Clubs, which provide charitable activities that benefit youth and veterans Shriners, which offer need-based treatment for children at Shriners hospitals throughout the country Kiwanis Clubs, which conduct fund-raising events and projects to help the community and especially children Religious organizations In many areas, nonprofit or special interest groups such as those listed above can sometimes provide financial assistance or help with fund-raising. In addition, some local governments may have special trusts set up to help people in need. You can find out more about such groups at your local library or your local city or county government's health and human services office. Medication Information Medication side effects and actions and interactions http://www.costco.com/Pharmacy/frameset.asp?trg=HCFrame.asp&hcban=Banner.asp&hctar=drugnotes.asp&catid=&Article=drug%20information&log= (Costco) PDR online (medications , effects and side effects) http://www.pdrhealth.com/drug_info/rxdrugprofiles/alphaindexa.shtml (rx) http://www.pdrhealth.com/drug_info/otcdrugprofiles/alphaindexa.shtml (OTC) http://www.pdrhealth.com/drug_info/nmdrugprofiles/herbaldrugs/index.shtml (herbal) http://www.pdrhealth.com/drug_info/nmdrugprofiles/nutsupdrugs/index.shtml (nutritional supplements)

All the information on pharmaceutical patient assistance programs plus hundreds of other programs is available for free at www.needymeds.org. Each workday over 12,000 people visit our site. We have all the applications on the website.

Our information is ease to access, updated regularly, and free. We gather no information about our users.

You don't have to pay to apply to these programs. Most are easy to apply to and respond quickly.

We also offer a free drug discount card. No registration is required and anyone is eligible to use it. The average savings is 30-40% with occasional savings of up to 75% or even more.

Rich Sagall, MD
President
NeedyMeds, Inc.
P.O. Box 219
Gloucester, MA 01931