What's the difference between prescription coupons and manufacturer assistance programs?

Prescription coupons provide discounts but you still pay a significant amount. Manufacturer assistance programs provide free or very low-cost medications (often $0-$25) for eligible patients who cannot afford their prescriptions.

Who qualifies for manufacturer assistance programs?

Eligibility varies by program but typically includes patients with limited income (often up to 400% of federal poverty level), inadequate insurance coverage, or demonstrated financial hardship. Both insured and uninsured patients may qualify.

Can I use manufacturer assistance if I already tried discount coupons?

Yes! Manufacturer assistance programs are specifically designed for patients who cannot afford their medications even with insurance or discount coupons. These programs provide much more substantial help than coupons.

How long does manufacturer assistance last?

Most manufacturer assistance programs provide help for 12 months with the ability to reapply annually. Some programs offer assistance for as long as you need the medication and continue to meet eligibility requirements.

When Prescription Coupons Aren't Enough - Free Medication Assistance

💊Still Can't Afford Your Medication?

If prescription discount coupons, insurance copays, or pharmacy savings programs still leave your medication unaffordable, you're not alone. Millions of Americans face this same crisis every day. But there's hope beyond coupons.

The Reality: Coupons vs. Assistance Programs

Understanding the difference between discount programs and manufacturer assistance programs can be life-changing. Here's what many people don't realize:

🎫 Discount Coupons

$150-$300

Still expensive after discount
• Reduces price by 10-80%
• You still pay significant amount
• Limited time offers
• May not work with insurance

🆓 Assistance Programs

$0-$25

Free or nearly free medication
• Covers full cost for eligible patients
• Long-term assistance available
• Directly from manufacturers
• Designed for financial hardship

When You Need More Than a Coupon

These situations call for manufacturer assistance programs, not just discount coupons:

🏥Chronic Conditions

You need expensive medications monthly for diabetes, cancer, autoimmune diseases, or other ongoing conditions. Even with coupons, the cost adds up to hundreds or thousands per month.

💔No Insurance

You're uninsured and facing full retail prices. Discount coupons help, but you still can't afford the remaining cost of essential medications.

📊High Deductibles

Your insurance has a high deductible that you haven't met, leaving you paying full price. Coupons provide some relief, but it's still unaffordable.

👴Fixed Income

You're on Social Security, disability, or a fixed income. Even discounted medications consume too much of your limited budget.

💸Financial Crisis

Job loss, medical bills, or other financial hardship means you can't afford medications even with significant discounts.

🧬Specialty Medications

You need expensive specialty drugs for rare diseases, cancer, or complex conditions where even discounted prices are thousands of dollars.

How Manufacturer Assistance Programs Work

Unlike discount coupons that just reduce the price, manufacturer assistance programs are designed to provide free or very low-cost medications to eligible patients who truly cannot afford their prescriptions.

Check Eligibility

Most programs consider income, insurance status, and medical need. Many serve patients up to 400% of federal poverty level.

Find Your Program

Search our database of 449 medications from 26 manufacturers to find assistance programs for your specific medication.

Apply Directly

Contact the manufacturer's assistance program directly using the phone numbers and websites we provide.

Get Free Medication

Once approved, receive your medication free or for a very small copay, often shipped directly to your home.

Real Stories: Beyond Coupons

"I was using GoodRx coupons for my cancer medication, but it was still costing me $400 a month. I found the manufacturer's assistance program through Script Saver and now I get the same medication for free. It saved my life financially."

— Sarah M., Cancer Patient

"Even with insurance and discount coupons, my diabetes medications were costing over $200 monthly. The manufacturer assistance program covers everything. I wish I had known about this years ago."

— Robert K., Diabetes Patient

"As an uninsured single mother, prescription coupons helped but weren't enough. The assistance programs I found here provide my son's asthma medications completely free. It's been a blessing."

— Maria L., Single Mother

Ready to Find Real Help?

Stop struggling with unaffordable medications. Search our database of manufacturer assistance programs and find the help you need.

🔍 Search Assistance Programs 📚 Additional Resources