NeedyMeds provides discounts and savings on medical costs.
NeedyMeds is a non-profit organization that helps people save money on prescription drugs as well as other medical costs. The non-profit agency, founded in 1997, offers free, easy-to-use tools and provides information to connect people to programs that can dramatically reduce their healthcare expenses. It is especially useful for individuals who are uninsured, underinsured, or living on fixed incomes. Learn more on NeedyMeds below, the programs offered as well as process to save money.
What services does NeedyMeds offer?
First and foremost, NeedyMeds is free to use and anyone can benefit from it. The non-profit functions as a online clearinghouse that lists countless financial assistance programs, discount services, rebates and more. The core of their mission is about providing people information on how they can save money on all types of medical costs - and NeedyMeds even offers tools to help people save. Patient Assistance Programs (PAPs) are a core NeedyMeds service. They have over 1,500 programs listed and companies that they work including listing thousands of drugs and dosages that people may be eligible for reaching for free. If someone does not qualify for a free program, the medications may often be offered at a low price. As part of the partnerships in place with drug companies, those organizations rely upon NeedyMeds as well as other patient assistance programs to provide spread the word on their resources and provide help. Each listing provides eligibility requirements, application links, and details on how to apply.
- Drug Discount Card is available.
For those without health insurance or with high copays on their plan, NeedyMeds offers a free discount drug card that can save users up to 80% off the retail price of medications. Or someone that is fully insured may also decide to use it in lieu of any insurance and they may receive savings as well. There is no cost to apply for the card or to use it. The card can be printed from their website or ordered by mail, and it is accepted at tens of thousands of pharmacies nationwide including major chains like CVS, Walgreens, Rite Aid, Krogers, and Walmart. In addition to the discount card, coupons and free rebates are available . The NeeedyMeds website lists thousands of rebates/coupons, etc for countless RX. While the savings will vary greatly based on the type of medication needed (whether it is generic or brand name), the retailer or pharmacy that you shop at and other factors, some people have saved 50 to 80% on their medical costs from using the NeedyMeds rebate/coupon service. They also work with pharmaceutical manufacturers to distribute coupons or other savings to those that need help. These programs can be combined with other savings options in many cases and are especially helpful for short-term needs or brand-name prescriptions. Diagnosis-based assistance for specific medical costs can be found using NeedyMeds. Beyond prescriptions and the discounts/savings on them as noted above, NeedyMeds lists a number of charities, foundations, and nonprofits that help people pay for health care expenses. As there are grants to pay for medical equipment, copays, surgeries, diagnostic testing, and other bills. In fact, another benefit of the free to use website is that NeedyMeds organizes programs and services by medical condition, which makes the information easier to find. Users of their site can look up their illness (whether formally diagnosed or not). As the site lists financial assistance programs for diabetes, cancer, rare diseases or depression as many others. Anyone can find not only financial help to pay for those costs, but also information support groups, medical rides to an appointment and other ways to get help. Transportation services can be found on Nee dyMeds as well as other programs that help with travel costs . As most people know, especially when a specialist is needed or for someone who is disabled or elderly, getting to a medical appointment can be both difficult to pay for as well as find a way to get there. NeedyMeds maintains a database of nonprofit programs that help with transportation, lodging including free motel vouchers for the low-income, and related costs, especially for individuals traveling long distances. NeedyMeds is another source for information on
Free/Low-Cost Health Care Clinics
, with listing for every state and most local communities. The non-profit organization hosts a free to use and access directory of thousands of government qualified sliding-scale income based, low-cost, and free health clinics, whether the patient needs dental, mental health care or check-ups. Patients at these clinics will normally need to be considered low to moderate income or unisnured in order to get free care. Many of these facilities offer services regardless of insurance status or ability to pay. NeedyMeds is focused on making information about medical assistance programs, whether from a clinic or non-profit hospital, available to those in need at no cost. In addition to that list of community health care centers, NeedyMeds can direct families to other forms of financial support such as charity care at a local hospital.
How to benefit from the NeedyMeds programs
NeedyMeds has one of the most comprehensive and reliable database of patient assistance programs, discounts and free or low-cost medical resources available. As noted, all the information they provide is free to consumers and patients, it is updated regularly, and it is easy to access. There is no registration process or need for users to enter any personal information, and no cost to users to access the information. As noted, a number of assistance programs are offered to people who need help with medical needs. All the information is listed right on their website, which is www.needymeds.org . In addition to its online database(s), NeedyMeds offers a toll-free helpline at 1-800-503-6897 where trained staff can help users navigate the website and find the most relevant programs for their needs.