To assist you with your healthcare needs, CuraScript has provided a list of community resources for the following topics:
Patient Assistance ProgramsMedicaidMedicareVeteran BenefitsDisability InformationChildrenAsthma ResourcesHepatitis & Bleeding DisordersGene Therapy
HIV/AIDSInfertilityMultiple SclerosisCancerGrowth Hormone DeficiencyRheumatoid Arthritis & ArthritisGeneral InformationAdditional Links
Patient Assistance ProgramsIf you have NO insurance for prescription medications contact the specific Patient Assistance Program of the pharmaceutical company that manufacturers the medication you need. Generally, only if you have no insurance will these companies provide you with free drug, but a few companies do help patients who have insurance with large out of pocket expenses, i.e. co-pays. A basic listing of pharmaceutical companies and the guidelines of their Patient Assistance Programs can be found at the following websites.
NeedyMeds.comhttp://www.needymeds.com/ Information on patient assistance programs & other programs designed to help those who can’t afford their medicines.
Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of American (PhRMA)http://www.phrma.org/ News on pharmaceutical-related issues & information on new medicines; also, link to helpingpatients.org, a search for patient assistance programs.
RxAssistVolunteers in Health Carehttp://rxassist.org/ Search for patient assistance programs by company, brand name, generic name, or drug class, also provides a downloadable information packet for prescription assistance for patients.
Please realize that there are income eligibility requirements based upon percentages above the Federal Poverty Guidelines (FPG). Depending upon the criteria of the program, your income must be below 250%, or in some cases below 330% of the FPG for the size of your family. If you are over-income the pharmaceutical company will not assist you. The 2003 FPG is listed below for your convenience.
The manufacturer may also deny free medication, if you are eligible for insurance coverage through your employer, but refuse to accept the benefits.
If your income is very low the manufacturer may refer you to your state Medicaid office for assistance before they will help you. If you are denied Medicaid, proof of that denial may be required before approval for free drug will be given. The same applies if you have insurance that will not cover the medication, or which has a cap on your benefits. You will need to have a letter of denial of benefits before the manufacturer will assist.
2004 HHS Federal Poverty Guidelines
Size of Family
Federal Poverty Level
200% of Poverty Level
250% of Poverty Level
300% of Poverty Level
330% of Poverty Level
1
$9,310
$18,620
$23,275
$27,930
$30,723
2
$12,490
$24,980
$31,225
$37,470
$41,217
3
$15,670
$31,340
$39,175
$47,010
$51,711
4
$18,850
$37,700
$47,125
$56,550
$62,205
5
$22,030
$44,060
$55,075
$66,090
$72,699
6
$25,210
$50,420
$63,025
$75,630
$83,193
7
$28,390
$56,780
$70,975
$85,170
$93,687
8
$31,570
$63,140
$78,925
$94,710
$104,181
For each additional person, add
$3,180
$6,360
$7,950
$9,540
$10,494
Source: Federal Register, Vol. 69, No. 30, February 13, 2004, pp. 7336-7338.http://aspe.hhs.gov/poverty/04poverty.shtml
Medicaid Medicaid benefits are generally available to the very poor in this country. Each state administers the Medicaid Program, a.k.a. Medical Assistance Program, in their state with funding from both the state and federal governments. If you are not eligible for standard Medicaid, you may qualify for the Medically Needy Program. Every state Medicaid office has a Medically Needy Program. Generally this program requires the recipients to show proof of, or to pay, a calculated amount of their medical costs. Each state operates this program differently. Some states will refer to this program as the “Spend Down” Program, while others will call it the “Share of Cost” Program. For more information on Medicaid and State programs to assist with prescription drug coverage look in the “Blue” government sections of your local phone directory or information can be found at the following:
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)http://www.cms.hhs.gov/ The CMS is a federal agency within the US Dept of Health & Human Services that runs Medicare, Medicaid, and the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP).
Medicare Medicare is available to everyone over the age of 65, or to people who have been proven to be disabled for at least 2 years. Generally Medicare has no prescription drug coverage, but will cover injectable medications given in the doctor’s office. A few medications, including some oral chemotherapy medications, which had previously only been available in injectable form, are covered at 80% under the Durable Medical Equipment benefits of Part B Medicare. For more information on Medicare go to: http://www.cms.hhs.gov/ or http://www.medicare.gov If your monthly income is below a particular level you may qualify for assistance with your premiums, deductibles, and coinsurance or a portion thereof. There are Medicaid programs established to help you with your Medicare costs. Ask your local Medicaid office about applications for the Qualified Medicare Beneficiary Program (QMB), or the Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary Program (SLMB).
Veteran Benefits Generally benefits are eligible only to those with disabilities connected to military service, but there are some benefits available to veterans without disabilities. You must apply to determine the Priority Group to which you belong and the limits of the benefits. Web site: http://www.vba.va.gov/
Apply for VA health care by completing VA form 10-10EZ. This form may be obtained by visiting, calling, or writing any VA health care facility or veterans’ benefits office. You can also call toll-free 10877-222-VETS (1-877-222-8387) or access the form on the Internet at http://www.va.gov/1010ez.htm
Disability Information Social Security Administrationhttp://www.ssa.gov Information on determination criteria and how to apply for Social Security Disability Income.
International Center for Disability Infohttp://www.icdi.wvu.edu/ Untangling the Web—variety of disability-related resources.
National Rehabilitation Information Center for Independence (NARIC)http://www.naric.com/ Databases of disability information including research, documents, & organizations; also forms for information/document requests.
The Americans with Disabilities Act Information LinePhone: 1-800-514-0301 (10:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M. M,T,W, & F; 1:00 P.M. to 6:00 P.M., Thursday, EST)Provides guidance on disability rights issues
ChildrenVanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Centerhttp://www.vicc.org/ Information on clinical trials, on-line cancer drug manual, patient support services & information on childhood cancer.
Vanderbilt Children’s Hospitalhttp://www.mc.vanderbilt.edu/vch/ Family resources for children with asthma, links with age-specific content, & list of informational books, videos, & CD-Roms for children and parents.
BAM!Centers for Disease Control & Preventionhttp://www.bam.gov/Answers to kids’ questions about health issues.
Band-Aides & Blackboardshttp://www.faculty.fairfield.edu/fleitas/contents.htmlInformation about growing up with a chronic illness from a child’s perspective.
Asthma ResourcesNational Association of Chain Drug Storeshttp://www.nacds.org/ Consumer information including prescription medication education, medication tips, Women’s Health, Asthma Action America, & links.
National Heart, Lung, & Blood Institute (NHBLI)http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/Offers current health news, health related information, an overview of dept services & contacts.
Veritas Medicine – Asthma, Allergic Disordershttp://www.veritasmedicine.com/Access to clinical trials, information on treatment options, & medical articles & newsletters.
Resources for Hepatitis & Bleeding Disorders allaboutbleeding.comhttp://allaboutbleeding.com/Education, guidance, & support for people who have or suspect they have von Willebrand disease, providing information resources, community support, & a resource center.
American Association of Blood Bankshttp://www.aabb.org/International organization of blood banks, transfusion services, & individual members engaged in blood banking & transfusion, “TRANSFUSION Journal,” information on CJD & transfusion-transmitted diseases.
American Society of Hematology http://www.hematology.org/Association representing scientists working with blood & blood diseases, international outreach, patient links, & press releases.
Bloodlinehttp://www.bloodline.net/Resource for hematology education provides news on blood disease and anemia, access to discussion forums & full-text medical research journals, hematology links, & news.
Canadian Hemophilia Society (CHS)http://www.hemophilia.ca/Information & research on bleeding disorders, CHS Newsletter, & Hepatitis C Information booklet.
Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC)1-888-4HEPCDC (443-7232) 24-Hour Toll-free(8 A.M. to 4:40 P.M. EST)http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/diseases/hepatitis/index.htmStudies, statistics, & links related to Hepatitis, recommendations for prevention and for those infected, FAQ & fact sheet for HCV.
Factor Foundation of Americahttp://www.factorfoundation.org/Comprehensive hemophilia health management, Factor Forum, newsletters, & resources.
South American Haemophilia Foundationhttp://www.haemophilia.org.za/Medical news, tips for staying fit & healthy, treatment guidelines, & information on other bleeding disorders.
National Heart, Lung, & Blood Institute (NHBLI)http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/
Offers current health news, press releases, health related information, an overview of dept services & contacts, clinical trials, & links.
National Hemophilia Foundationhttp://www.hemophilia.org/American advocacy & support organization provides symptom & treatment data to those w/ blood-clotting disorders, medical & blood safety news, publications, newsletters, & links.
National Home Infusion Associationhttp://www.nhianet.org/Information, networking, referrals, & resources on home & alternative site infusion (IV) therapy for patients & professionals, FAQs, & links.
Veritas Medicine – Hepatitis C http://www.veritasmedicine.com/ Access to clinical trials, information on treatment options, and medical articles and newsletters.
Resources for Gene Therapy Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO)http://www.bio.org/Information on prescription coverage & reimbursement, research, media center, & links to patient groups.
American Society of Gene Therapyhttp://www.asgt.org/Information on new developments in gene therapy, research, news releases, & scientific journal – “Molecular Therapy.”
Human Genome Project Informationhttp://www.ornl.gov/TechResources/Human_Genome/home.htmlInformation on gene testing, genetic disease information, overview of genomics & medicine, & educational resources.
National Human Genome Research Institutehttp://www.genome.gov/Advancing human health through genetic research, includes health resources, FAQs, genetic & rare disease information center, multimedia glossary, & information & links for specific genetic disorders (breast or skin cancer, e.g.).
Resources for AIDS/HIV AIDSinfo US Department of Health & Human Serviceshttp://aidsinfo.nih.gov/Central resource for federally-approved treatment guidelines for HIV/AIDS.
Centers for Disease Control & PreventionHIV/AIDS Preventionhttp://www.cdc.gov/hivFacts & statistics, addresses hoaxes & rumors, information on HIV/AIDS drugs and treatments, and current treatment guidelines.
CDC National Prevention Information Network A Service of the National Center for HIV, STD, and TB Preventionhttp://www.cdcnpin.orgSearch for organizations that may provide case management, counseling, education & outreach, health care, housing assistance, legal counseling, etc.
Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA)US Department of Health & Human Serviceshttp://www.hrsa.gov/Key Program Areas include: HIV/AIDS Services provided through the Ryan White CARE Act which helps provide health care for people with HIV disease who are uninsured or underinsured with low incomes.
HIV ReSources, Inc. – Nutritional Resourceshttp://hivresources.comNutritional Support for persons with HIV/AIDS.
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)Division of Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndromehttp://www.niaid.nih.gov/daidsResources for patients, physicians, & investigators; publications & meeting summaries; NIAID Funded Research, HIV Vaccines, HIV/AIDS Treatment.
National Library of Medicine – Specialized Information Serviceshttp://sis.nlm.nih.gov/HIV/HIVMain.htmlInformation on HIV/AIDS clinical trials, drugs, treatment, consumer health, web links, journal articles, books, audiovisuals, etc.
Project Informhttp://www.projinf.org/A non-profit agency based in San Francisco providing information on diagnosis & treatment, advocacy for research & funding policies & inspiration of hope over despair.
Veritas Medicine – HIVhttp://www.veritasmedicine.com/Access to clinical trials, information on treatment options, and medical articles and newsletters.
Resources for InfertilityAdvanced Reproductive Carehttp://www.fertilityusa.com/Network of infertility specialists providing information, research, financial services & links.
The American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologistshttp://www.acog.org/Non-profit organization providing patient education, news releases, & physician locator.
Baby Center Cradle & Allhttp://www.babycenter.com/preconception/fertilityproblems/indexArticles on causes of & treatments for infertility, coping w/ a fertility problem, & considering other options; also provides a free preconception newsletter w/ advice from experts & support from others trying to conceive.
Fertile Thoughtshttp://www.fertilethoughts.net/Information on emotional aspects of infertility, support chatroooms, infertility resources, FAQs, & myths & facts.
Hannah’s Prayer Ministrieshttp://www.hannah.org/Non-profit organization offering Christian support for fertility challenges including infertility or the death of a baby at any time from conception through early infancy; also offers support groups, interactive message boards, chat rooms, monthly newsletter, & reproductive resources.
Internet Health Resourceshttp://www.ihr.com/infertility/Provides extensive infertility information including IVF, infertility clinics, and donor egg/ surrogacy programs.
The International Council on Infertility Information Disseminationhttp://www.inciid.org/Non-profit organization providing support & information, reproductive news, essays, & articles.
National Women’s Health Resource Centerhttp://www.healthywomen.org/Non-profit organization providing access to Health Center A-Z, current news, a comprehensive directory of women-friendly health services & organizations, treatments, prevention, Facts to Know, & Questions to Ask.
The National Women’s Health Information Center The Office of Women’s HealthUS Dept of Health & Human Serviceshttp://4woman.gov/faq/infertility.htmHealth information for women including journal, links, news, overview, treatments, & information on assisted reproductive technology (ART).
Veritas Medicine – Fertility Treatmentshttp://www.veritasmedicine.com/Information on clinical trials & treatment options, medical articles, & newsletters.
Resources for Multiple Sclerosis International Multiple Sclerosis Support Foundation http://www.msnews.org/Non-profit organization providing MS information, articles by physicians, medications & symptoms, chatroom, resources, & support.
Multiple Sclerosis Foundationhttp://msfocus.org/Non-profit MS information center including multimedia library, forums, support group directories, FAQs, treatment options, complementary & alternative medicine (CAM), news, & research.
MS MOMS – Managing Our Multiple Sclerosishttp://www.msmoms.com/Comprehensive resources provides support & information for mothers & women with MS or parents of children w/ MS or anyone dealing w/ MS in their lives; also tips for living, chatroom, bookstore, & message board.
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)http://www.ninds.nih.gov/Latest findings of research & clinical trial information on MS.
National Multiple Sclerosis Societyhttp://www.nmss.org/Comprehensive site provides information & links to medical facts, publications, local resources, research updates, & advocacy.
Veritas Medicine – Multiple Sclerosishttp://www.veritasmedicine.com/Access to clinical trials, information on treatment options, and medical articles and newsletters.
Resources for CancerAmerican Cancer Societyhttp://www.cancer.org/docroot/home/index.aspExtensive network of services & organizations fighting cancer by providing education & support, w/ resources for survivors, family, friends, & professionals, medical updates, treatment options, & resources for coping.
Colon Cancer Alliance http://www.ccalliance.org/Support & information for people touched by colorectal cancer including, financial issues, clinical trials, downloadable documents, chatroom, & treatment news.
Kidney Cancer Associationhttp://kidneycancerassociation.org/Non-profit charity providing information, physician referrals, advocacy, & offering support w/ survivor links, therapies, & self-care.
Leukemia & Lymphoma Societyhttp://www.leukemia.org/hm_llsDetails disease, local chapters, events, statistics, & research; also includes media kits, educational material, & links to other resources.
National Brain Tumor Foundation (NBTF)http://www.braintumor.org/Informative reports on new treatments & clinical trials, with stories from survivors & interviews with leading physicians, information on surviving & coping, NBTF Newsletter, publications, & a treatment center database.
National Breast Cancer Coalitionhttp://www.stopbreastcancer.org/Non-profit grassroots advocacy organization providing information & a Guide to Quality Breast Cancer Care.
National Cancer Institute (NCI)http://www.cancer.gov/Gateway for information on cancer for patients, features research updates, treatment, complementary/alternative medicine, side effects, coping, & support & resources.
Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Centerhttp://www.mc.vanderbilt.edu/vicc/ Information on clinical trials, on-line cancer drug manual, patient support services & information on childhood cancer.
Veritas Medicinehttp://www.veritasmedicine.com/Access to clinical trials, information on treatment options, and medical articles and newsletters.
Resources for Growth Hormone Deficiency National Institute of Diabetes & Digestive & Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)National Institutes of Healthhttp://www.niddk.nih.gov/Health information & research findings on the diseases of internal medicine.
American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE)http://www.aace.com/Current endocrine-related issues & informational publications.
The Hormone Foundationhttp://hormone.org/Resource for prevention, treatments, and cures for hormone-related diseases, patient outreach & education.
The Endocrine Societyhttp://endo-society.org/Online journals, physician referrals, information on advocacy, & patient fact sheet and links.
The Endocrine Society Journals Onlinehttp://www.endojournals.org/Research journals.
The Magic Foundationhttp://www.magicfoundation.org/Non-profit organization providing support, education, and assistance to families and adults, services include a quarterly newsletter – “The MAGIC Touch” and a national Pen-pal program.
Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease Foundation, INChttp://www.cjdfoundation.org/Non-profit organization providing an overview of CJD, news, & links; also a provides a message board for questions and opinions.
Pituitary Network Associationhttp://pituitary.org/Non-profit patient advocacy organization providing information on the treatment and cure of pituitary disorders, includes medical resources, glossary of terms, FAQ’s & links.
Acromegaly.orgA Satellite Site of the Pituitary Network Associationhttp://acromegaly.org/Brochure – “Living w/ Acromegaly”, physician referrals, & treatment options.
Resources for Arthritis American Pain Foundationhttp://www.painfoundation.org/Non-profit organization providing resources, advocacy, & support for people with severe pain, information on pain types, medication, & management, articles, & links for find support.
National Institute of Arthritis & Musculoskeletal & Skin DiseasesNational Institute of Healthhttp://www.niams.nih.gov/Health information for patients, research, training, news updates, & outreach programs.
Veritas Medicine – RA, Chronic Pain, Osteoarthritishttp://www.veritasmedicine.com/Access to clinical trials, information on treatment options, and medical articles and newsletters.back to top
Other Community Resources United Way in your area may fund agencies, which may offer prescription assistance, or utility or rent assistance, thus allowing you to have the resources to pay for your medication costs. The telephone number of your local United Way can be found in the Business Section of the White Pages of your local phone directory. An Internet search for charities and social services and foundations on a website like http://www.qwestdex.com can provide you with listings specific to your area that may help you.
The Blue Section of your phone directory list city, county, state and federal government agencies. Check to see if your city or county offers social services, which might have assistance programs to help with prescription costs, or programs to assist with other expenses such as rent and utilities.
When an agency or program states that they cannot help you, ALWAYS ask them if they know of anyone who might be able to help. Sometimes there are unpublicized funds of community churches, synagogues, or civic groups, which may help with short-term assistance. Perhaps you belong to one of these groups, which may be willing to set up a fund in your name to which people can make tax-free donations.
Additional LinksCenters for Disease Control & Preventionhttp://www.cdc.gov/Health topics A-Z, publications, the facts about health-related Hoaxes & Rumors, National data & statistics, & links to other health agencies.
Doctor’s Guidehttp://www.docguide.com/Up-to-date medical news, webcasts, case studies, resources, & recently approved drugs/indications.
Growth House – Improving Care for the Dyinghttp://www.growthhouse.org/Information & referral services for agencies working with death & dying issues.
healthfinder.govhttp://www.healthfinder.gov/ Health information, including a health library, health care information, & directory of government agencies, daily health news, & online checkups.
Health Resources & Services AdministrationUS Department of Health & Human Serviceshttp://www.hrsa.gov/Key Program Areas include: Primary Health Care which helps provide health care to underserved populations, also focuses on health care needs of minorities and women.
National Association of Chain Drug Storeshttp://www.nacds.org/Consumer information including prescription medication education, medication tips, Women’s Health, Asthma Action America, & links.
Vanderbilt University Medical Centerhttp://www.mc.vanderbilt.edu/ Information on clinical trials, link to MEDLINE for up-to-date health information.
Veritas Medicine http://www.veritasmedicine.com/Access to clinical trials, information on treatment options, and medical articles and newsletters.