Hi Dody!  Great info!!  Many pharmacuetical companies have patient assistance programs, and each company may have different qualifying criteria. 

There are a couple of optional ways to find out whether or not a certain medication is included in these programs.  The first would be to go to a site such as the one you mentioned (Do Not Pay a Fee to Access this Info!!).  The next would be to do an internet search of the medication name (generics are Not included!) and/or company that produces it.  The third is to talk to your Doctor and ask if she/he has information and applications available for the patient assistance programs.  Often his nurse/s will have up to date information available.  Each application requires a Doctor's signature/prescription anyway, so this could save you a step or two.

If you are elderly or disabled, check with your local department of Aging & Disability Services to see if they have special funds to help.  Do this also, if you are on Medicare Part D (Prescription coverage) and you have reached a point (the so-called "Doughnut Hole") where you are not being currently covered.  Programs, funding, etc. can vary from county to county and state to state. 

Hope that this helps!

PS Dody - Thanks for the invitation!!! 

 [ send green star]

Susan, at one point I went through Needy Meds to get a prescription - and it was a free service.  They've since changed and now charge a fee ($25.00 I believe).  It's not necessary to pay a fee and I'd advise against it.  I've stopped giving this to clients, etc. as a resource because of this.

The advice to check with your Doctor is good!  They usually have information about the various patient assistance programs, as well as the necessary forms.  If not, you can always do a search online for the pharmaceutical company and check their available programs.

RxAssist, from everything I've heard, is a good program if you qualify.  Dody, will wait to hear what you find out about your newest discovery!

There is an online program that allows you to find out what benefits you may qualify for - including any state patient assistance programs.  I'll check and see if it's limited to my state, or available nationwide and will post in the group.

Blessings!

 [ send green star]

Okay, I just finished checking on the benefits website, etc.  The info is:

http://www.govbenefits.gov/govbenefits_en.portal State and Federal programs - nationwide

http://www.benefitscheckup.org/                           this is more comprehensive, including programs for utility assistance, meals, etc. - and the one I use with clients when I can't access the Helpline database available at work.

For Canadians: http://www.canadabenefits.gc.ca/faechome.jsp?lang=en

And for the UK: http://www.dwp.gov.uk/lifeevent/benefits/

 [ send green star]

dental, etc.... If you go to http://frugalmoms.today.com/2008/05/15/glasses-for-less/

Plus I have more in archives some where I will look up. 

This is health discounts on all sorts of things http://frugalmoms.today.com/2008/05/22/finding-health-insurance-for-under-20000-a-month/

 [ send green star]

Sorry it's all on my website, but I need to make a living, might as well do it while helping people.

 [ send green star]

Thought you might want to pass this along. My brother used them and is really happy with his glasses. I'm going to try them too. Glasses as low as $8 including frames and lenses. Bifocals and no-line bifocals from about $15. Unheard of prices and guaranteed. Worth a try.

http://zennioptical.com/cart/product.php?productid=133

 [ send green star]