Co-pay Assistance Programs (prescription, insurance, eye, more expensive)

[Dawter]

Have any of you had or have experience with Co-pay Assistance Programs? Can you recommend a good one?
My sister's husband gets a shot in his eye once a month that costs $4,000 per shot- yes, that's right, $4,000. Ridiculous, I know...
Anyway, she said they are getting help from some type of Co-pay Program where they pay only $20. Their income is much higher than mine and she said if they can get help, I should be able to also.
Any help is appreciated.

[suzy_q2010]

It sounds as if the assistance may be coming from the manufacturer of the drug. Can you be more specific?

And it sounds as if it is more than just "copay" assistance. That usually comes in the form of a coupon from the manufacturer to turn in with a prescription.

If you have trouble paying for a drug for which there is no generic available, contact the manufacturer to see what help is available. They may want documentation of income.

[christina0001]

I have helped folks apply for such programs, and yes they can provide enormous help. Some applications are simple, others are kind of a pain. But if it saves you money, it's worth it. Two websites I have used are:
needymeds.org (used a lot)
rxassist.org (used a couple of times)

[emilybh]

First of all, your sister's family is a perfect example of why NOBODY should go NEAR any type of "co-pay" plan. As your sister knows all too well, the sicker you are the more expensive your plan can cost you. If she hadn't been able to find help she would have been MUCH BETTER OFF choosing a high deductible health plan that covers you 100% for everything once the deductible is met. These plans typically can be used with Health Savings Accounts that add additional tax savings. Finally the premiums are lower than the plans with unlimited co-pays that can add up to tens of thousands of dollars in out of pocket costs IN ADDITION to HIGHER premiums. No one in their right mind would EVER CHOOSE a co-pay plan..but lots of dumb Americans have been brainwashed to think that a low deductible low co-pay plan is the best thing since sliced bread. They couldn't be more WRONG.

A good insurance plan of any kind is going to PROTECT you in a worst case scenario. Like with homeowners, renters or auto insurance, once you pay your deductible or out of pocket maximum, the insurance company pays the rest. It can be this way with health insurance too but ONLY if you make sure you are getting a plan that has STOP_LOSS protection which NO CO-PAY PLAN DOES.

[Dawter]

Thank you both. Your help is appreciated!