02 Jun Help Paying for Prescription Drugs: Programs and Resources to Know About
June 2, 2026 ~ If you’re having trouble affording your prescription drugs, you are not alone. There are several programs and resources that may help lower your costs. These include government programs, drug discount cards, pharmaceutical company assistance programs, and financial help from nonprofit organizations.
This blog introduces some of the most common types of prescription drug assistance. For more detailed information, read Triage Cancer’s Quick Guide to Getting & Paying for Prescription Drugs. If your insurance is denying coverage or your prescription is not on your plan’s formulary (list of drugs covered), you can review our other resources on Prescription Drugs.
Government Assistance Programs
There are several government health insurance programs, such as Medicare or Medicaid, that help people pay for prescription drugs.
Extra Help
Extra Help is a federal program that helps people with Medicare prescription drug coverage, through a Part D plan, pay for:
- Monthly premiums
- Deductibles
- Copayments
To qualify, someone must have limited income and resources.
In 2026, people who qualify may pay no Part D premiums or deductibles, and prescriptions may cost no more than:
- $5.10 for generic drugs
- $12.65 for brand-name drugs
Some people are automatically enrolled in Extra Help, including those who:
- Have Medicaid
- Participate in a Medicare Savings Program
- Receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Others can apply through the Social Security Administration.
For more information, read Triage Cancer’s Quick Guide to Medicare Savings Programs.
State Pharmaceutical Assistance Programs (SPAPs)
Some states offer State Pharmaceutical Assistance Programs (SPAPs) to help residents pay for prescription drugs.
Eligibility rules and covered benefits vary by state. Some programs help with:
- Copayments
- Premiums
- Certain medications
Visit Medicare.gov to see whether your state has an SPAP.
Medicaid
Medicaid is a government health insurance program for people with limited income. Because Medicaid is funded jointly by federal and state governments, eligibility and coverage rules vary by state.
Many Medicaid programs cover a wide range of prescription drugs at low or no cost, including generic drugs and some brand-name medications.
To learn more:
- Read Triage Cancer’s Quick Guide to Medicaid
- Visit Triage Cancer’s Resources by Location page to find your state Medicaid agency
Drug Discount Cards and Discount Programs
Drug discount cards and discount programs may help lower the cost of prescription drugs when paying out of pocket instead of using insurance. These programs are generally available to everyone and usually do not have income or eligibility requirements.
These programs allow people to compare prescription drug prices and access discounts at participating pharmacies:
- NeedyMeds
- GoodRx
- SingleCare
- InsideRx
- Amazon Prime Pharmacy
- Costco
- Cost Plus Drugs (generics only)
Some pharmacies also offer their own savings programs or discount cards.
When you use drug discount cards or purchase drugs through these discount programs, you are not using your prescription drug plan; the amounts you spend will not count towards satisfying your drug plan’s deductible or out-of-pocket maximum.
Pharmaceutical Company Assistance Programs
Some pharmaceutical companies that make prescription drugs offer financial assistance programs for their medications. These programs may include:
- Coupons
- Discount cards
- Vouchers
- Free or reduced-cost medications
Eligibility requirements vary by program and may depend on factors such as:
- Income
- Insurance status
- Type of medication
Triage Cancer’s Pharmaceutical Assistance Programs – Prescription Drugs chart can help you find programs offered by drug manufacturers.
Financial Help from Nonprofit Organizations
Many nonprofit organizations provide financial assistance to people diagnosed with serious medical conditions, including cancer. Each organization has its own eligibility rules and application process. Examples include:
The Patient Advocate Foundation (which recently merged with the PAN Foundation) may help with:
- Out-of-pocket medication costs
- Medicare Part D expenses
- Costs related to chronic, rare, or life-threatening conditions
The HealthWell Foundation may help with:
- Copayments
- Insurance premiums
- Other out-of-pocket medical costs
CancerFinances.org also includes a list of additional organizations that may help with prescription drug costs and other expenses.
Important Note About Co-Pay Accumulator Programs
Some health insurance plans use co-pay accumulator programs. These programs do not count financial assistance received for prescription drugs toward a person’s:
- Deductible
- Out-of-pocket maximum
This means that even if financial assistance lowers the cost of a medication, the amount paid by the assistance program may not help someone meet their insurance cost-sharing limits. To learn more about co-pay accumulator programs, read Triage Cancer’s Quick Guide to Co-pay Accumulators, Co-pay Maximizers, & Alternative Funding Programs.
To find out whether your plan uses a co-pay accumulator program, review your plan’s Evidence of Coverage documents or contact your insurance company.
Final Thoughts
Prescription drug costs can add financial stress during an already difficult time. The good news is that there may be programs and resources available to help lower those costs. Exploring your options and asking questions can help you find support that fits your situation.
About Triage Cancer
Triage Cancer is a national, nonprofit providing free education to people diagnosed with cancer, caregivers, and health care professionals on cancer-related legal and practical issues. Through events, materials, and resources, Triage Cancer is dedicated to helping people move beyond diagnosis.
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