The rising cost of prescription drugs means that many people struggle to pay for medications they need. They may even feel forced to choose between basic necessities and medicine.

If you fall into that category, Patient Assistance Services may be able to help.

As part of our Total Care Rx Complete membership program we work as your patient advocate to get free-of-charge prescription medications for qualified members directly from the pharmaceutical companies. We make this often complex process seem quite simple. Currently, major pharmaceutical companies make more than 1,000 medications available through their individual Patient Aid Programs.

Many drug companies make available a variety of their prescription medicines free-of-charge to those who meet income and other requirements. We work with them and your doctor, hospital or other agency to handle the paperwork and application process each company requires. Although each company has its own qualifications, there is a basic guideline for the programs. You must be a legal U.S. citizen, have a family income that is equal to or less than the company's requirements, and may not be qualified for private or government prescription coverage.

PAS has set GENERAL GUIDELINES to help determine if you're likely to qualify:

• Gross yearly family income is less than $36,600 or gross yearly single income is less than $21,660. Total gross income could include wages, Social Security benefits, pension, disability payments, and interest income.
• The client has no coverage that reimburses or pays for his/her prescription medications and is experiencing a hardship in purchasing them. (If you are enrolled in Medicare Part D prescription drug program you may still qualify for the pharmaceutical companies free drug programs.)

Fees: Patient Assistance Services charges a one-time, nonrefundable $25 enrollment fee and a small monthly membership fee for their full membership benefit package.

(Please Note: All drugs on the pharmaceutical companies' Patient Aid Programs are FREE. A portion of your membership fee is to cover the ongoing paperwork and services required by them.)

Monthly membership fees are automatically deducted from your checking, saving or credit card account, so you never have to worry about late payments or late payment fees.

How it works

Health Care Providers

Butler County, Ohio, Application is available here

Don't qualify for our Total Care Rx Services program? Our prescription drug discount programs, Discount Rx , PharmaStrategies Drug Card, and USRx Services, are available to everyone, regardless of income.