Get help paying for prescriptions
People should establish a relationship with their pharmacist and be upfront about what they can afford. There are also programs to help with prescription costs.
Posted — UpdatedJames McLawhorn is among the seniors who have gone without his medications so he could afford to eat.
"Oh yeah ... and I have congestive heart failure and diabetes," McLawhorn said. "I've had to go without my diabetes medicine, insulin, and also some of my heart medicine."
Pharmacist Mike James at Person Street Pharmacy, 702 N Person St. in Raleigh, says he hears stories like McLawhorn's everyday.
"They say, 'I can't afford that medication, just put it back in the computer and I'll come later.' A lot of times they don't come back at all,” James said.
James says people should establish a relationship with their pharmacist and be upfront about what they can afford.
"You need to talk to your pharmacist. What are my options? What else can I do? What other paths could I go down? Could you call the doctor and see if they could move this to something else that's less expensive?” James said.
James will call your doctor; ask about generics and free samples. He will also recommend community help agencies and programs so his customers don't go without their medication.
"If it wasn't for that extra help, I couldn't afford my medicine,” McLawhorn said.
McLawhorn has also sought assistance from several area organizations.
"I've cut my drug bill by half by bringing in Hospice of Wake County," he said.
Other programs that offer prescription help:
• Credits
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