Programs That Offer Free or Low Cost Health Care

Community health centers

Community health centers that are regulated by the federal government exist in many parts of the country. These clinics are required by law to provide care to individuals without health insurance and have sliding fee scales based on an individual's income. Many of these clinics either have pharmacies on site or have contracts with community pharmacies. In order to get medication from these clinics you must be a patient of that clinic or one of its satellite sites. For the nearest community health center contact: 888-ASK-HRSA (275-4772) or visit: ask.hrsa.gov/pc

Free Clinics

Free clinics are community clinics that provide health care for free or very little cost to uninsured individuals. There are more than 1,000 of these clinics across the country and almost all will help their patients get medication. Some have pharmacies on site, some rely on samples and pharmaceutical company patient assistance programs and some have arrangements with local pharmacies. Click here for a list of state, regional and national free clinic association contact information.

Hospitals

Public hospitals, public health departments and/or private not for profit hospitals in your town may be able to help you as well. Your state health department should be able to tell you how to make contact with these health care providers.

Social Service Agencies & Programs

Local social service agencies or religious groups may have emergency funds for medication purchases. You may want to contact the United Way, Salvation Army, Goodwill or a local church, synagogue or mosque for help. You can visit: /www.211.org which will give you contact information for any 211 Information and Referral services available in your community. The 211 program provides individuals with local information about and referrals to human services for every day needs and in times of crisis. You may also want to visit iSafetyNet at www.iSafetynet.org, a directory of public and private community resources and services.

If you have a specific disease, there may be programs for you. Look for national organizations or their state chapters advocating for people with your condition. You can also visit the federal government's National Institutes of Health website, which has links to different organizations that may have information on financial assistance for specific chronic diseases. See: www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/financialassistance.html

You may qualify for Medicaid or other similar programs that offer prescription coverage. Contact your state or county social services/welfare department. Or visit healthinsuranceinfo.net. This website has information for each state on getting and keeping insurance coverage, including sources for state and other publicly funded programs.

Check with your doctor or pharmacist. Physicians and pharmacists may know about where to get free or discounted medication and other health services.