As healthcare providers, we know it’s difficult to watch your patients struggle with their health because they cannot access the necessary medications and drugs due to finances. Some patients are underinsured, while others can’t afford insurance at all. But there are many ways to help your patients get their prescriptions despite their low income.
Some of the ways you can help patients are:
Encourage them to sign up for prescription discount cards
We work with several doctors and healthcare providers to offer discount cards to patients who need them. You can also get on board with us and connect us with patients who need our help. Many patients are unaware of the options they have, so this is a great opportunity for you to educate, exercise empathy, and assist them with the process.
Make recommendations for generic alternatives to brands
Being mindful of the prescriptions you make is also a step in the right direction. Instead of jumping straight to the most well-known brand name for prescriptions, you can and should consider cheaper alternatives like generic brands over known ones. Since the formulation is standardized, off-brand medication can often be as safe and effective but without the price tag.
If patients are eligible for pill splitting, inform them
Sometimes, doses may vary depending on a patient’s condition and health indicators and if that holds true for yours, consider the possibility of pill-splitting in some instances. They might not need the entire pill in a single go, which may allow them to use them in evened halves, but don’t recommend this as a general practice—it’s only for very specific cases, and patients should be educated about the risks too.
Unfortunately, millions of people in the U.S. are without access to quality medications and prescriptions because conventional manufacturers and brand name medications are expensive, insurance doesn’t cover their needs, or they have very limited options.
If you’re a healthcare provider with concerns about low-income patients, please reach out to us, and we’d be glad to bring you on board with our prescription assistance program. Learn more about this on our page, where you can find other details and information, or contact us to join us.
