What to Do If You’re Prescribed a Medication You Can’t Afford

You leave the doctor’s office with a new prescription, only to find out at the pharmacy that it’s going to cost hundreds of dollars. If you’ve ever stood there wondering what to do next, you’re not alone.

Many seniors in Kentucky face this exact situation, especially when they’re prescribed a name-brand drug or something not fully covered by Medicare. But don’t walk away just yet — there are real ways to lower that price or find a better option.

Here’s what to do when a medication costs more than you can afford.

1. Ask Your Doctor for a Generic Alternative

Doctors often prescribe brand-name medications without knowing what your specific plan will cover. Most drugs have generic versions that cost far less and work just as well.

What to say:
“Is there a generic version of this medication that would work the same for me?”

In many cases, your doctor will be happy to switch the prescription with just a quick update to the pharmacy.

2. Check Your Medicare Part D or Advantage Plan

Sometimes a drug isn’t on your plan’s formulary — the list of covered medications. If that’s the case, your options include:

• Asking for a formulary exception

• Checking if another drug in the same category is covered

• Calling your plan provider to get help comparing options

You can also talk with a local SHIP counselor (State Health Insurance Assistance Program) who will walk you through your coverage for free.

Call: 1-877-293-7447
Website: lablaw.org/SHIP

3. Use a Drug Discount Card

Programs like GoodRx, SingleCare, and NeedyMeds offer coupons and price comparisons that may beat your insurance co-pay.

You don’t need to sign up or qualify — just print or show the coupon from your phone at the pharmacy.

Tip:
Tell the pharmacist you want to compare your insurance price and the coupon price, then pick the cheaper one.

4. Ask About Pharmaceutical Assistance Programs

Many drug manufacturers offer Patient Assistance Programs (PAPs) that give free or low-cost medications to people who meet certain income limits.

To apply, you usually need:

• A doctor’s signature

• Proof of income

• A copy of the prescription

You can search by medication at needymeds.org or medicineassistancetool.org

5. Request Free Samples

Doctors sometimes have free samples from pharmaceutical reps. This won’t solve a long-term cost problem, but it can give you time to sort things out while still getting your medication.

It’s worth asking, especially for new prescriptions.

6. Shop Around

Prices can vary a lot between pharmacies. It may be cheaper to go to a grocery store pharmacy or use a mail-order service.

Some Kentucky pharmacies even offer $4 generic programs on common medications — no insurance needed.

You can compare prices online using GoodRx or by calling a few local stores directly.

7. Don’t Skip It Without Saying Something

If the price is too high, don’t walk away and just skip the medicine. Tell your doctor or pharmacist you can’t afford it. There may be another option, and they won’t know you need help unless you speak up.

Prescription costs can feel like a brick wall, but there are ways around it. Whether it’s switching to a generic, using a discount program, or getting help from the drug company itself, you have options.

In Kentucky, no one should have to choose between their health and their wallet. Talk with your doctor, compare prices, and ask for help. You deserve care that fits both your needs and your budget.