Free & Low-Cost Medications

Most pharmaceutical companies offer patient assistance programs that provide free or heavily discounted medications to qualifying patients. Here are real programs you can apply to today.

Quick Tip

Most programs require that you have a valid prescription from your doctor and meet income requirements (typically under $60,000/year for individuals).

Major Patient Assistance Programs

Patient Advocate Foundation Co-Pay Relief

For patients WITH insurance

Who qualifies: Patients with insurance earning under $60,000/year (individual) or $123,000/year (family of 4)

Assistance: Up to $7,500 per year for prescription co-pays and deductibles

Apply: copays.org or call (866) 512-3861

Documents needed: Insurance card, income proof, prescription

Processing time: 10-15 business days

Apply Now

Good Days Foundation

Disease-specific assistance funds

Who qualifies: Patients with specific chronic conditions and financial need

Assistance: Up to $7,200 per year for treatment costs

Apply: mygooddays.org or call (877) 968-7233

Income limit: Under $100,000/year household income

Coverage: Chronic wounds, diabetic complications, and related conditions

Check Eligibility

HealthWell Foundation

Multiple disease-specific funds

Who qualifies: Patients with insurance and financial hardship

Assistance: Varies by fund, typically $2,500-$7,500/year

Apply: healthwellfoundation.org or call (800) 675-8416

Income limit: Up to 500% of Federal Poverty Level (about $60,000 individual)

Special focus: Chronic disease management and specialty medications

Find Fund

Pharmaceutical Company Programs

These programs provide FREE medications directly from drug manufacturers to uninsured or underinsured patients.

Pfizer Patient Assistance Program

Income limit: Under $48,000/year (individual) or $98,000/year (family of 4)

Insurance requirement: Uninsured or underinsured

Medications: All Pfizer brand medications (when prescribed)

Cost: FREE

Apply through: Your doctor's office

Website: pfizerpatientassistance.com

Phone: (844) 989-7284

Johnson & Johnson Patient Assistance Foundation

Income limit: Under $60,000/year (individual)

Insurance requirement: Uninsured, underinsured, or Medicare Part D gap

Medications: J&J prescription medications including wound care products

Cost: FREE

Apply: Online or through healthcare provider

Website: jjpaf.org

Phone: (800) 652-6227

Merck True North Advocates Program

Income limit: Under $60,000/year (individual)

Insurance requirement: No prescription drug coverage

Medications: Most Merck prescription medications

Cost: FREE

Apply: Through healthcare provider only

Website: merckhelps.com

Phone: (866) 363-6379

Novartis Patient Assistance Foundation

Income limit: Under $75,000/year (individual)

Insurance requirement: Uninsured or inadequate coverage

Medications: Novartis brand medications

Cost: FREE

Apply: Online application available

Website: novartis.us

Phone: (800) 277-2254

Prescription Discount Programs

GoodRx

Type: Prescription discount program

Eligibility: Anyone (no income limits)

Savings: 10-80% off retail prescription prices

Cost: FREE to use

How to use: Show coupon at pharmacy

Website: goodrx.com

Get Coupons

NeedyMeds

Type: Comprehensive assistance database

Eligibility: Varies by program

Services: Program database, discount cards, application help

Cost: FREE resources

Special feature: Searches all available programs for your medication

Website: needymeds.org

Phone: (800) 503-6897

Search Programs

RxHope

Type: Patient assistance application service

Eligibility: Based on specific program requirements

Services: Free help completing applications

Cost: FREE service

Special feature: Personal assistance with applications

Website: rxhope.com

Phone: (877) 267-0517

Get Help Applying

How to Apply Step-by-Step

1

Gather Required Documents

  • Recent tax return or pay stubs (proof of income)
  • Insurance cards (if you have insurance)
  • Prescription from your doctor
  • Bank statements (some programs require)
  • Proof of citizenship or legal residence
2

Choose the Right Program

If you have insurance: Start with co-pay relief programs (Patient Advocate Foundation, Good Days, HealthWell)

If you don't have insurance: Apply to pharmaceutical company programs for your specific medication

3

Complete the Application

Most applications can be completed online. Some pharmaceutical programs require your doctor to submit the application.

Tip: Apply to multiple programs - you can have backup options if one doesn't work out.

4

Follow Up

Most programs respond within 10-15 business days. If approved, you'll receive instructions on how to use your benefits.

Important: Benefits typically need to be renewed annually.

Related Financial Assistance

🏥 Hospital Bills

Get help with hospital charges and medical bills through charity care programs.

Hospital Assistance

🩹 Medical Supplies

Find assistance with wound care supplies, bandages, and medical equipment.

Supply Programs

🚨 Emergency Help

Need immediate financial assistance for a medical crisis? Get emergency help.

Emergency Aid

Need Help with Applications?

Our patient advocates can help you complete applications, gather required documents, and follow up on your status.

Get Personal Help Find Providers