Getting Your Prescriptions at a Lower Cost
March 8, 2026
The use of prescriptions in the United States is common, and a necessary part of many treatment plans. Some studies estimate that 70% of adults take at least one prescription drug ( Nearly 7 in 10 Americans Take Prescription Drugs, Mayo Clinic, Olmsted Medical Center Find – Mayo Clinic News Network ). Rates of prescription drug use are even higher in adults diagnosed with a chronic illness, and more than half of all adults in the U.S. have a chronic disease ( Chronic Diseases in America | CDC ). Yet, the prices of prescription drugs continue to climb. The rising costs of prescriptions has led to some patients forgoing treatment as they struggle to afford their medicine. This increases national health care costs and can lead to death or disability in high risk populations. It’s important for patients to get their medicine, at a price they can afford. Below are some suggestions to reduce costs, and organizations that can help.
Use generic prescriptions.
Review your medication with your healthcare team.
Request mail order and extended supply prescriptions.
Use coupons.
Assistance Programs
Shenandoah Community Health Clinic (SCHC) is a clinic located in Woodstock, Virginia. This clinic serves uninsured and low income patients from the Shenandoah area, providing quality care at reduced costs. They offer dental, medical, and mental health services for a diverse group of patients. Shenandoah Community Health Clinic participates in a program called “The Pharmacy Connection”. For those who qualify, this program connects with drug manufacturers to attain a year’s worth of their medication at no charge. Patients may reapply after one year to continue the program, as long as they continue to meet eligibility requirements. This program is available to current clinic patients, as well as community patients; patients from other medical practices in the county. Eligibility will require the most recent tax returns for both uninsured patients and medicare patients. Medicare patients are also required to show proof of their out-of-pocket expenses on pharmaceuticals and prescriptions.
Contact Information: shenclinic.org 540-459-1700
Medicare.Gov has a tool that allows people to find pharmaceutical assistance programs for the specific drugs they take. They require a Medicare Drug Plan (Part D), but these programs can help with payment for those who qualify.
NeedyMeds.org is an expansive resource for those looking to save on healthcare costs. This non-profit organization has lots of information on pharmaceutical payment programs, diagnosis based programs, and sliding scale clinics. They also offer a discount card that has no eligibility requirements, to be used at participating pharmacies.
Medicineassistancetool.org is an online search engine that helps patients and caregivers find resources and programs to help pay for their medicine. The website asks about your medication and other qualifying factors to connect you with programs you’re eligible for. You can review and compare these programs, and apply for your best options.
Extra Help is a program facilitated by the social security administration, for seniors with medicare coverage. There are multiple qualifications for this program, but the savings are estimated to be worth $5000. The website explains this program on prescriptions in detail.