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A Good Person in Need Looking for a Hand up, not a hand-out?

I have been a heroin addict on and off since I was a teenager. I am currently 55, a divorcé of 9 years and have two grown boys. Max is 21 is studying "pre-architecture" in Monterey and has never done drugs. His older brother NIcholas, 26, is living day to day in Hawaii (Kauai) and made it through high school. He had a rough childhood with bladder cancer (now has one kidney) but he beat it and we are very proud of him--not for that, but for following his own path and leading his own life. It is almost as if Max got the left brain and Nick got the right side! [if you subscribe to the theory]. His girlfriend (fiancée is a senior at SF State and when she graduates in June they will probably be reunited in June). His mom lives in SF.

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I live in Carmel Valley, CA and am currently on sublingual Suboxone®; I do not use alcohol, tobacco, pot, coffee, or any other drugs for that mattter (sorry, I DO drink tea), etc. I am physically fit (runner) and a freelance graphic designer by trade (20 years). I detoxed from methadone about 17 months ago and switched over to Suboxone® 8/2 strength. It is made by a British company and one's MD prescribes it much as a diabetic's MD would. It is designed so that it cannot be abused.

Since I cannot rely on a steady income & have no health insurance, I am beginning to worry about how to pay for my Suboxone. It has totally turned my life around for the better and I cannot imagine lack of funds (esp. in the US) as being the only reason I would have to live in the gutter or a shelter (which is a certainty without my meds.) I have a local doctor who is a good advocate. I must do more research to find out how to get my meds at an affordable price. They cost me $552.90 per month at the cheapest pharmacy in town (And they will beat any other store's price!). Can anyone help me?
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NB: Please don't misunderstand me: I am not asking for a handout. I am trying to get leads in researching how an entity might be able to help in the form of an "indigent patient's" supplemental program. Perhaps I'll call the company that manufactures them and see what happens. To me it seems almost criminal that the US government allows the pharmacies to charge so much for a substance that can turn a person's life around. And I realise that there are many drugs that fall into this category.

Thanks for taking the time to read this.

Lorenze

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By guest (Guest Post)
December 12, 20040 found this helpful

"many pharmaceutical companies have Medically Needy/Medically Indigent
(MNMI) programs available to assist those individuals to receive the

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necessary medications without delay or interruption in administration of
the prescription. Most of these programs are offered to patients, but must
be requisitioned by your personal physician"

 
By ang (Guest Post)
December 12, 20040 found this helpful

I know that your health system is completely different in the USA, however, in New Zealand our health system is designed so that former addicts can approach directly their local hospital for help through social workers. Do you have such a resource there. Social workers will advocate on your behalf to various agencies and hospitals and pharmaceutical producers to assist you with your problem. Best of luck, and congratulations on the success you have made as a father with your obviously much loved boys. ALso on your positive recovery progress, you are to be admired for your tenacity.

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I hope that your Christmas is a restful one filled with the love of your family.

Ang

 
December 12, 20040 found this helpful

Have you tried the samhsa site?
www.samhsa.gov/index.aspx

good luck

 
December 12, 20040 found this helpful

You may check with your hospital, I was on a income based program that would help with test, treatment, and medication as long as it was through the hospitals doctors and pharmacy. It was not something they really announced and had my doctor not directed me to it I would not have thought it to be a possiblity.

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Best of luck -- So happy for you, that you have come this far. Lisa

 
By Kathy (Guest Post)
December 12, 20040 found this helpful

Contacting the manufacturer is a good idea. Most pharmaceutical companies have what's called "compassionate use" programs. Through these programs, the pharmaceutical company provides medicine to patients who meet a financial criteria...don't make over a certain amount per year. Sometimes there are requirements other than financial, and the company will probably want to contact your physician to get his/her buy-in. You might also explore participating in a clinical trial involving the drug you are taking. I hope this is helpful.

 
By Sandy (Guest Post)
December 12, 20040 found this helpful

The website for Wills Eye Hospital has links to programs that help pay for prescription meds. Go to http://www.wills-glaucoma.org.

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Click the links page, and scroll down to the financial assistance section. There are several resources listed there.

 
By (Guest Post)
December 13, 20040 found this helpful

I take Nexium. I know in price it is not near what you are taking, but it cost me well over $100 a month, and being a single mom, that was alot of money. I found a Canadian website online that I got my meds through for free. It is based on income and need. I can't remember the name of it, but I'm sure I could find the paperwork somewhere if you would like. I just went online and did an MSN search. Good luck to you and God Bless! alic65@hotmail.com

 
December 13, 20040 found this helpful

Save $11,000 Per Year On Prescription Drugs: Drug manufacturers offer a little known program to help those who cannot cover the cost of their prescription drugs. Some have strict eligibility guidelines, while others have pledged to help all those truly in need. A easy resource to locate the correct drug manufacturer and to learn more about the patient assistance program offered, go to the interactive website at www.helpingpatients.org. You can fill out the forms online. Your doctor will be contacted for the prescription, and the medications will be delivered to the doctor's office.

Save $720 A Year On Medicare: Many people do not take advantage of the Qualified Medicare Beneficiary Program which covers the cost of Medicare Part B premiums. There are income limits you must meet. For more information on the program, contact Medicare at 800-MEDICARE; or go to the following website: www.medicare.gov/default.asp?. You can also learn about the Medicare Drug Card. The New York Medicare Savings Coalition also has information on how to take advantage of the underutilized program that will cover the Medicare Part B premium. Learn more at www.nymedicaresavings.org/.

I just changed computers at work. In about a couple of weeks, my information on how to save even more money on prescriptions will be available to me. Send me an email in a couple of weeks, and I will forward the file to you. I did research on obtaining less costly prescriptions for my mother's meds. I found loads of information. My email address is kelly_cindy (at) smc (dot) edu

Cindy

 
By Mari (Guest Post)
December 14, 20040 found this helpful

Please try MSI (your doctor or hospital should have the necessary forms) as you are located in California. People do need a helping hand and that's why msi was created. I hope they help! May you have a healthy and happy holiday season.

 
By carol (Guest Post)
December 18, 20040 found this helpful

thank god i live in the UK we pay £6 per prescription whether that be a tiny tube of cream or £100 per tablet and yes they do exist!, this works well for everyone, i pray someone helps you out

i had 3 members of my family alcoholics, 2 of whom have drank themselves to death, so i understand about addictions and think it would be a shame if you cannot get this medicine due to costs you would think someone would gladly get these medicines for you FOR FREE as you are less likely to be a burden to society in later life with ill health than if you continued as an addict and all the social problems that entailed, if have just stopped smoking with a 3 month supply of nicotine patches which cost me the prescription charge from my doctor of £6 and would have cost over £240 if i had bought them in the chemist shop

good luck carol

 
By Philip Covel (Guest Post)
July 18, 20050 found this helpful

I am on Suboxone now and I have no money to pay
for it. I have begged and borrowed all I can.I need a
refill right now,but no one can or will not help me get
it filled. I don't drink or do any other drugs at all. I
live on 846.00 per month from a VA pension,so I am
really in need.This is just being written out of hope that
some how I can get some help.

 
By Philip Covel (Guest Post)
July 19, 20050 found this helpful

I just wanted to add my address to what I have all
ready written.4835 Buffalo Rd.,apt.1,Erie,Pa.16510
The pharmacy's phone number is 814-452-2347 just
incase someone has the means to call and pay for it
with a card. Sincerely I thank you for any help.

 
By jamie. (Guest Post)
July 13, 20080 found this helpful

Yes go to needymeds.com and go to brand names
they can get your suboxone free for you

 
By JAYJAY (Guest Post)
August 12, 20080 found this helpful

I've been on suboxone and have found a website for free cards offering 75% off suboxonego to www.freedrugcard.us and all you do is print and bring to your pharmacy.

 
June 16, 20090 found this helpful

I am 29 years old and live in Ohio. I'm on suboxone and can't find any help paying for my prescriptions. Right now my poor mother is paying $132.a week for 21 pills. plus a $120. office call every month. She can't afford to do it much longer so I don't know what I'm going to. You would think there would be more help out their for us addicts. I have no income and was going to try the drug manufacturers program but my doctor does not accept that program. If anyone knows of any help please contact me at email vaughn.mark29@gmail.com Thanks.

 

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