Social Security Disability Attorney
When applying for Social Security Disability benefits, it is important to be in regular treatment with your doctors and remain compliant with their orders; this includes taking all medications they have prescribed to treat your conditions. If you do not have medical insurance, or if you have lost it, affording your medications can be challenging; some prescription medications can cost hundreds of dollars per refill. Not taking your medication is harmful to your overall well-being and to your claim with Social Security, but affording them may be too much of a financial strain. There are measures you can take in order to continue taking the medications your doctors have prescribed.
Determine if a generic drug is available
Determine whether or not the drugs your doctors have prescribed have a generic equivalent. Generic drugs are less expensive than brand-name drugs, but they are made following the exact same standards set by the FDA; in other words, you are getting the same results for less cost. Some medications do not have generic equivalents, but many do. For example, Citalopram is the generic of the anti-depressant Celexa; Doxazosin is the generic of the hypertension medication Cardura. Ask your doctor if the medications you are taking have generic equivalents, and find out if your local pharmacy provides a generic prescription program to make affording your medications easier.
Contact the drug manufacturer
Contact the manufacturer of the medications you take if you are having trouble affording them. Ask to speak to someone about reducing the costs of your prescriptions; some pharmaceutical companies will work with people in order to set up a plan in which you can pay a reduced amount for the medications you need. Three of the major pharmaceutical companies that manufacture drugs are Astra-Zeneca, Pfizer and GlaxoSmithKline; consult your doctor to determine which pharmaceutical company or companies produce the drugs you have been prescribed.
Research local and federal organizations that provide assistance for people who are having trouble affording medications due to lack of medical insurance or financial hardships. Explore your options online. Visit websites such as Rxassist.com and NeedyMeds.com in order to learn what organizations or groups exist in your area that can help you get your medications at little cost.
Applying for Social Security Disability can be daunting enough without having to worry about whether or not you can afford to refill your medications. There are options for those without medical insurance so that you can keep treating your conditions without having to choose between paying your bills and paying for your prescriptions. You can protect your well-being and your wallet by taking steps to reduce the cost of your medications.
Contact a Social Security Attorney Today
If you or a loved one has questions about applying for disability benefits or you have been denied benefits, please call our office or email us today for a free case evaluation.
