Local retailers, drug makers offer free or low cost prescriptions

April 22, 8:11 AMDetroit Health and Beauty ExaminerSherri Dansby

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Many people lack health insurance and prescription drug coverage and are deciding not to take prescribed medications due to high cost. This can be detrimental to health, especially for those with chronic conditions. If you have prescriptions to be filled, and can not afford to pay for them, take advantage of the prescription drug programs described below. You may qualify for financial assistance, even if you have health insurance or are employed.

Meijer offers free leading, oral generic antibiotics with a special focus on prescriptions common for children, with a doctor’s prescription, regardless of insurance coverage. A maximum of a 14-day supply is provided at normal oral dosages (excluding extended release formulas) of the following antibiotics:
     • Amoxicillin
     • Cephalexin
     • SMZ-TMP
     • Ciprofloxacin
     • Ampicillin
     • Penicillin VK
     • Erythromycin

Meijer also offers free pre-natal vitamins, which are vital for healthy pregnancies and babies. Some doctors suggest taking pre-natal vitamins in the months before becoming pregnant. The five leading brands of pre-natal vitamins are offered. Click here for store locations and more information.

Wal-Mart offers hundreds of prescription drugs and more than 1,000 over-the-counter medications at only $4 per 30-day supply, or $10 for a 90-day supply, also available at Neighborhood Market and Sam's Club pharmacies nationwide. The program represents up to 95 percent of the prescriptions written in the majority of therapeutic categories. Click here for store locations and more information.

State Pharmacy Assistance Programs
Michigan residents may qualify for help covering drug costs and other health care expenses through a variety of state-based services. The National Council on Aging’s Web site, benefitscheckup.org, has a questionnaire that can be completed to identify eligibility in the programs. The site focuses on services for people over age 65, but many programs are available to younger people too.

Free or Discounted Prescription Drug Programs
Some drug makers offer discount programs for their prescription drugs. To check eligibility requirements and get more information about these programs, visit rxassist.org and needymeds.com. Two such programs are:

• Pfizer Helpful Answers – This is a family of programs to help people without prescription drug coverage save on many Pfizer medicines, no matter their age or income. Call 1.866.706.2400 or visit pfizerhelpfulanswers.com for information.

• Merck Patient Assistance and Prescription Discount Programs – These programs provide free and discounted Merck medicines to patients who cannot afford their prescribed medicines. Visit merckhelps.com for information.

Be sure to read all of my articles about The Great Recession for help in finding health care assistance, including the article about Michigan’s Prescription Drug Discount Program.