Patient Assistance Programs: Get Affordable Medications When You Need Them

When you need a prescription but can’t afford it, patient assistance, programs run by drug companies, nonprofits, or government agencies to help people pay for medications they can’t afford. Also known as medication assistance programs, these services aren’t just for the uninsured—they’re for anyone struggling with high copays, deductibles, or out-of-pocket costs. Many people don’t know these programs exist, or think they’re only for those on welfare. That’s not true. If you’re paying more than $50 a month for a single drug, or your income is under 400% of the federal poverty level, you likely qualify for some kind of help.

These programs cover everything from antiretroviral HIV drugs, life-saving medications for people living with HIV that can cost over $2,000 a month without aid to everyday pills like hydrochlorothiazide, a common blood pressure drug that still costs hundreds a year for many without discounts. Even specialty drugs like HCG therapy, used for fertility or testosterone support and often excluded from insurance, have manufacturer-funded support options. You don’t need to be poor—just struggling. Some programs help people earning $60,000 a year if they have high medical bills.

Getting help isn’t always easy, but it’s not impossible. Most programs require proof of income, a doctor’s note, and a prescription. Some ask for tax forms; others just need a signed form from your provider. The process takes time, but the savings are real. One person in Ohio saved $1,200 a month on their HIV meds through a single patient assistance application. Another in Texas got their diabetes drug for $5 a month instead of $300. These aren’t rare cases—they’re common outcomes for people who take the first step.

What you’ll find below is a collection of real, practical guides that connect directly to this issue. You’ll see how people manage costs for drugs like doxepin, Actos, and Onglyza—not just by cutting corners, but by using official aid programs, generic switches, and manufacturer discounts. These aren’t theory pieces. They’re stories from people who got their meds, kept their health, and didn’t go broke doing it. If you’re tired of choosing between rent and refills, what’s here can change that.