Consumer Guide: Prescription Drug Programs

Do prescription drugs take up a large part of your health care costs? Does your insurance not offer much coverage for prescription drugs? Some health insurance plans provide no, or very little, coverage for medicines. The good news is there are many programs in Wisconsin that can help.

Prescription drug resources

Expand the section that applies to you to view a list of resources. Select a link to learn more.

  • AIDS/HIV Drug Assistance and Insurance Assistance Programs—Learn how to stay healthy and independent if you live in Wisconsin with HIV (human immunodeficiency virus). Provides access to HIV drugs, drugs to treat hepatitis C, and more.
  • RareCare—Find programs that help patients with rare diseases access care or medicines they can’t afford. These programs are through the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD).
  • SeniorCare Prescription Drug Assistance Program—Get help with prescription drug costs. This program is for people who live in Wisconsin and are 65 or older.

  • Medicare Counseling for Wisconsin Residents—Find ways to get support for people who receive Medicare and their caregivers. The program connects you with a State Health Insurance Assistance Program counselor for one-on-one guidance from an expert.
  • Drug Coverage (Part D)—Learn about prescription drug coverage through Medicare (called Part D).

  • BenefitsCheckUp—Search for benefit programs that can help you based on your needs and where you live. This includes ways to pay for prescription drugs in Wisconsin.
  • Drug Repository Program—Donate (or receive) unused medicine to a pharmacy or medical facility. The medicine is then given to those who can’t afford it. To qualify to receive donated drugs, you must:
    • Live in Wisconsin.
    • Have a valid prescription from your doctor.
    • Have cancer or a long-term (chronic) illness.
    • Not have a way to pay for the medicine.
  • MedicineAssistanceTool.org—Search for financial assistance resources for you, your loved ones, or others in your life.
  • NeedyMeds—Find more information about free or low-cost prescription drug programs for those in need.
  • Pfizer Patient Assistance Program—Get free Pfizer medicines for patients who qualify.
  • Rx Outreach—Receive generic prescription drugs by mail in 90- or 180-day amounts at lower prices. The program is for people who have no, or limited, prescription drug coverage and who meet low-income guidelines.

Prescription drug discount cards

Some companies and groups offer prescription drug discount cards. These cards may help you save money on your prescriptions. Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) does not endorse any of the discount cards we list. We only list links as a resource. We may add more discount cards as we learn about them.

Glossary

 
Last revised August 25, 2022