If you live in Florida there are a couple of programs that may offer assistance paying for your medications. Florida has several programs for children, people on low incomes or limited income, as well as people with no health insurance. To the surprise of many, there are also support systems in place for people with health insurance and those living above the poverty line.

Medications can cost a lot of money, which insurance alone doesn’t always cover.

Costs continue to rise and even people with insurance are experiencing increasing difficulties paying for drugs. If your medications continue to increase in price, you’re not alone. 500 doxycycline pills cost $20 in 2013, but by 2014 they cost $1,849. Prior to 2000, a year of cancer-drug therapy cost $10,000 or less, and by 2012 the costs jumped to over $100,000.

Here are some Florida-based programs that may help cover the costs of your medications.

Sunshine For Seniors In Florida Program

The Sunshine For Seniors program is a prescription assistance program that helps eligible seniors (60 years and older) enroll in a variety of insurance and health care programs. These programs are focused on covering costs of prescription drugs.

In order to qualify for this program, you cannot have insurance coverage for the drugs you are prescribed. To see if you qualify, call (800) 963-5337 for more information. This line connects you to the Florida Dept. of Elder Affairs Helpline; they are currently in charge of administering the service.

Florida Prescription Discount Drug Card

Every resident of Florida is eligible for the Florida Prescription Discount Drug Card, no matter your age, household size or income. The card is completely free to obtain and there are no restrictions regarding who can get one. The card can be used every time you purchase medications. It can save you as much as 30% off of your medication costs. Call the following toll-free number to apply: (866) 341-8894.

The Assistance Fund

The Assistance Fund can help you save money on medications that have high co-pays and are too expensive for you to afford but are necessary to treat a life threatening illness or certain chronic conditions. This program is catered to people that already have insurance through the state of Florida or a federal government sponsored plan. Call the toll-free number (877) 245-4412 to see if your medications are covered under this fund. If your illness qualifies, you can start getting help paying for your medications almost immediately.

Florida Medicaid

Florida Medicaid operates under the state of Florida and the federal government. People with low to moderate incomes or those classified as working poor may qualify for this government insurance program. The program is focused on helping families and individuals that have little to no resources when it comes to accessing medical care or prescriptions. 

Apply here: https://dcf-access.dcf.state.fl.us/access/scrflstartappl.do

Florida KidCare (SCHIP)

Children that are uninsured and living in Florida can get coverage through SCHIP. This low cost and highly effective medical care and insurance program covers everything from doctor appointments to prescription medications. There are four main components to this program: the Children’s Medical Services (CMS) Network, MediKids, and Healthy Kids (for children with special health care needs), we well as Medicaid for all other children in Florida.

Local Health Community Clinics

There are a number of health care community clinics throughout Florida that offer free or almost free services for health, medical and dental care. These clinics offer qualified individuals and families a number of resources and services they would otherwise be unable to afford.

Some of the free clinics in or around Brevard County include:

The Brevard Health Alliance—A primary care medical center offering board certified family practice and internal medicine physicians as well as advanced practice nurse practitioners.

Locations include:

Hickory Street, Melbourne (321) 434-1980

Mobile Clinic (321) 722-5970

Monroe Center, Cocoa (321) 633-6391

Titusville (321) 268-0267

Palm Bay (321) 914-0915

Learn more about the Brevard Health Alliance: https://www.health-first.org/hospitals_services/brevard_health_alliance.cfm

Talk To Your Doctor To Save Money On Medications

Talk to your doctor and let him/her know how much your medications are costing you, especially if you cannot afford them. Some doctors will ask how much certain medications cost, but even if they don’t mention anything it’s still worth bringing up. Your doctor may know of an off-brand prescription for a more affordable price. He or she may also know of certain programs that cover or at least help cover your prescription(s).

Other Ways To Save Money On Prescription Medications

Shop Around. Different pharmacies offer different prices. Costco is said to be the most affordable, and you don’t need a Costco membership to utilize their pharmacy.

Choose Insurance That Covers Your Drugs. Shop around for insurance and see which providers offer coverage for the drugs you are currently prescribed.

Appeal For Coverage. If you’re prescribed a drug you cannot afford, make an appeal with your insurance company. In most cases, they are required by law to cover drugs deemed medically necessary even if they are not listed on your plan.