Prescription Drugs
Last updated April 2008

Prescription drugs can now effectively treat a wide variety of illnesses and diseases for which little help was available only a few years ago. Unfortunately, methods of paying for prescriptions have not kept pace. If you have a full private insurance plan, prescription drugs are usually covered. There is often a copayment fee of $10, $20 or more per prescription. If you do not have full insurance coverage, cost can be a serious concern. Some seniors find drug prices so difficult to pay they are now traveling by bus to fill their prescriptions in Canada, where drug prices are regulated and much lower.

When Medicare began in 1965, hospitalization was the main health expense senior citizens faced. Now, prescriptions can be nearly as much a worry for those on fixed incomes. There is new legislation to include a prescription benefit for Medicare recipients, but this may not be helpful for many low-income seniors and people with disabilities. Ron Pollack, Executive Director of Families USA has said of the new drug benefit, "The Medicare legislation will cause deep disappointment for America's seniors and people with disabilities. It provides very limited drug coverage; fails to moderate skyrocketing drug costs; and spends lavishly to push seniors into managed care plans." See statement from Families USA.

Low Cost Drugs for the Elderly and Disabled Program (also called, DEL)
It covers those who are 62 or older, or adults who have a disability according to federal Social Security rules. You may be eligible if: your income is less than the guidelines listed in the chart below or if you have very high drug costs and spend 40 percent or more of household income on prescriptions - then the income limit becomes 25 percent higher than that listed below.

For people who already have Medicare, DEL does not take the place of Part D (prescription coverage). But it may help to "wrap around" the Part D coverage in some cases. If you are eligible, it is good to apply for DEL as well as the Medicare Savings Programs, to help with your Medicare costs.

For people who already have Medicare, MaineRx Plus does not take the place of Part D (prescription coverage). But it may help to "wrap around" the Part D coverage in some cases. If you are eligible, it is good to apply for MaineRx Plus.

The MaineCare program also covers prescription drugs, and is available to individuals and families who have limited income and assets. Many assets are excluded, including your house, car and houselot. To find out more about how to get MaineCare coverage, go to our section on Health Care for the Elderly if you are over 65, or Health Care for Adults if you are under 65.

CHAMPVA is a health care benefits program through the Department of Vetrans Affairs. For the spouse or widow(er) and for the children of a veteran who: is rated permanently and totally disabled due to a service-connected disability; was rated permanently and totally disabled due to a service-connected condition at the time of death; died of a service-connected disability; died on active duty and the dependents are not otherwise eligible for DoD TRICARE benefits. Under CHAMPVA, VA shares the cost of covered health care services and supplies with eligible beneficiaries.

Ordering Drugs from Canada For information about mail-ordering drugs from Canada, check out the links below. CAHC Foundation does not necessarily endorse any of the programs or services described below. For more information on bus trips to Canada please send questions via email to the Maine Council of Senior Citizens at MCSC@mseaseiu.org or call 1-800-452-8794.

• NorthlandMeds
• United Health Alliance
• Canada Rx
• Pharmacy Canada
• The Canadian Drug Store
• CanadaMeds.Com

The drug industry also provides free prescriptions in some cases. Only certain drugs are covered from a particular manufacturer. They are intended for the neediest patients not covered by private insurance or a government program, and generally offer prescriptions on a one-time basis or for a limited period. Because each drug company has its own rules, it can be time-consuming and difficult to apply, but in some circumstances it can get patients medication they could not otherwise obtain.

CAHC Foundation does not necessarily endorse any of the programs or services described below. If there is a program that you feel should be added to this list, please Contact Us and let us know.

Together Rx Card
Provides financially-eligible seniors and disabled Medicare recipients with 20%-40% savings on about 150 medications. These discounts are sponsored by large drug companies. While the discounts might be useful if you need a certain Brand name drug, generic drugs may be available at a much lower cost. Check with you doctor.

Helpingpatients.org
A Web site maintained by PhRMA and 48 of its member companies. This site was designed to help you find patient assistance programs for which you may qualify.

RxCaresForME.org
Some health-related organizations endorse this site, but the AARP criticizes it, believing that it's PhRMA's attempt to devalue Maine's price-control initiatives (like the Healthy Maine Prescriptions program or MaineRx Plus). See the Portland Press Herald story detailing the AARP's concerns. If you find help on the site, you would still have to ask your doctor to request the drug for you from the manufacturer.

Additional discount prescription programs offered by specific companies for Medicare recipients:

• GlaxoSmithKline's Orange Card Program
• LillyAnswers Card
• Novartis Care Card
• Pfizer's Share Card
  

Some retail stores in your area may provider discount programs for generic and sometimes brand name drugs. It may be helpful to call your local pharmacies and ask about their discount programs.

all Consumers for Affordable Health Care at 1-800-838-0388 for more information.