Insurance Help

For the seriously ill and their caregivers

About Prescriptions

Generic/Brand Name Prescriptions

If your coverage includes a prescription drug benefit, there may be varying levels of co-payments applicable based on the type of drugs prescribed. Generally, co-payments for generic drugs are lower than brand named drugs.

Ask your healthcare provider whether the generic equivalent would be appropriate for your treatment.

Mail Order Prescriptions

Ask your health plan whether there is mail order pharmacy available where the drugs can be dispensed in larger quantities further lowering your out of pocket costs.

EPIC - Elderly Pharmaceutical Insurance Program

EPIC is a New York State sponsored prescription plan for senior citizens who need help paying for their prescriptions. New York state residents can join EPIC if they are 65 or older, and have an annual income of $35,000 or less if single, or $50,000 or less if married.

For more information on EPIC, please select this link.

Medicare Part D

Medicare Part D is a federal prescription drug program available to Medicare beneficiaries beginning January 1, 2006.

For more information on Medicare Part D, please select this link.

Other Options

If your insurance plan does not cover a prescribed medication you have options:

Ask your physician if there is an alternative medication.
Appeal to your insurance carrier to cover prescriptions if there is no alternative.
Since prescription prices may vary from pharmacy to pharmacy, it is important to contact various pharmacies in your area to see which has the most affordable price.
Look into alternative funding resources. Many Pharmaceutical companies have developed programs to assist both healthcare professionals and patients in finding other sources for funding and reimbursement.

Select this link for the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America Web site