Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA)
Website: medicineassistancetool.org
PhRMA created the Medicine Assistance Tool (MAT) to help people search for patient assistance resources from different groups.
Scam Alert: There are people who call, email, or go door-to-door who say they’re with PPA and ask for money or personal information. PhRMA does not ask for money and doesn’t call or email people. Contact them directly if someone does this to you.
NeedyMeds, Inc.
Website: www.needymeds.org
Toll-free number: 1-800-503-6897
NeedyMeds provides information about many drug assistance programs. They do not help with problems or help you search for drug assistance programs.
NeedyMeds, Inc., also has its own drug discount card that you can print out for free online. It can be used in certain drugstores, but you can’t use it along with your insurance.
Scam Alert: There are lookalike websites that say they’re with NeedyMeds that ask for money. NeedyMeds does not ask for money for its information. Contact NeedyMeds if you see anything like this.
Medicare services
Website: www.medicare.gov
Toll-free number: 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). English- and Spanish-speaking staff are available at this number.
Medicare is the United States’ health insurance program for people 65 or older, although certain younger people with disabilities might also qualify.
This federal government website can help you sign up for Medicare and choose the right Medicare-approved prescription drug plan (called the Part D plan) based on where you live, your income, and the medicines you take.
You can learn more details about the Medicare Part D drug plans and how to choose one in Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Coverage.
Medicaid services
Website: www.cms.gov/MedicaidGenInfo
Medicaid is a state-run program funded by the federal and state government. It helps people and families who have very limited incomes. Medicaid pays for health care costs, such as doctor visits, hospital visits, and prescription medicines. You can find eligibility requirements and general information at the website above.
State health departments
Because each state’s Medicaid program is run by that state, income cut-offs, asset limits, and benefits vary from one state to another. In some states, the program may have a different name (TennCare, Medi-Cal, etc.) Contact your State Health Department for more information on requirements and how to apply.
To find your State Health Department, call the US Department of Health and Human Services at this toll-free number: 1-877-696-6775. You can also find it online at www.usa.gov/state-health.
State health marketplaces
Website: www.healthcare.gov
Toll-free number: 1-800-318-2596 (also in Spanish); TTY: 1-855-889-4325
Information on the new insurance law, takes you through the steps of finding insurance and medication coverage, and much more. If you don’t have Internet access, the phone number will help you connect with your state’s Marketplace to sign up for a plan.
