Health Insurance/ Medicare
& Medicaid
Help with Health Care Costs
A variety of programs might help you or someone you know.
The requirements to qualify vary greatly for the different programs described.
The Medicine Program
Most major drug companies offer free medicines. But each company has its own requirements and application, and most people don’t know that these “patient assistance programs” exist.
Regardless of your age, if you don’t have prescription drug coverage, or your income is at a level that makes it difficult for you to afford your medicine, you might qualify for a free supply of prescription medicine. Most of the people The Medicine Program helps are on a fixed income, such as retirement or disability benefits. Some work, and have a low or moderate income: too much to qualify for Medicaid; but not enough to buy health insurance that covers prescriptions.
To apply for help from The Medicine Program, you can use the application form available at their website,
http://themedicineprogram.com, or you can call The Medicine Program at 573-996-7300. Or, you can write to The Medicine Program, P.O. Box 520, Doniphan, MO 63935-0520. (Many Area Agencies on Aging can send you information about The Medicine Program, and the Program’s application form.)
Complete The Medicine Program application with your name, address, phone number; list the prescription drugs you take, and the name and address of your doctor. Mail the application, along with $5.00 for each prescription requested, to The Medicine Program at the address shown above.
You’ll receive an application packet and a letter for your doctor asking for his/her help in completing the application. The doctor must be willing to process the application for the drug company (or companies). Otherwise The Medicine Program can’t help you. If you are approved, the drug company (or companies) will send a free three-month supply of medicine to your doctor. (Keeping copies of all your forms will make it easier to apply for refills.)
Help with Health Care Costs
If for some reason you don’t qualify for free medicine, you can write to The Medicine Program within 120 days and request a refund of the $5.00 processing fee for any medicine you didn’t receive.
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Donated Dental Services
Donated Dental Services, sponsored by the Virginia Dental Association, provides free dental treatment for older adults and for disabled people who cannot afford the cost of needed dental work. Treatment is provided in the offices of dentists who volunteer their services to the program.
To apply for Donated Dental Services, it is necessary to complete a three page application. (Incomplete applications are not reviewed.) The Program encourages applicants to send proof of income (for example, copies of Social Security checks or bank statements), and proof of financial need (for example, large medical bills). Applications for Donated Dental Services are available from Virginia Dental Association, 7525 Staples Mill Road, Richmond VA 23228, 1-800-552-3886 or 804-261-1610.
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Community Health Centers
Community Health Centers are private, non-profit clinics that are affiliated with the U.S. Public Health Service, and located in medically underserved areas. Community Health Centers provide primary health care services, including physician care; x-ray; laboratory; preventive services (mammography, well-child, etc.); immunizations; referral to specialists; transportation for health services; and case management. People who can’t afford to pay for health care services are not turned away. People with low income who don’t have Medicare or Medicaid might qualify for reduced fees.
To find out if there is a Community Health Center near you, visit http://www.vpca.com/, or call the Virginia Primary Care Association, Inc. at 804-378-8801. The Virginia Primary Care Association is located at 10800 Midlothian
Tpke. Suite 265, Richmond VA 23235.
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