Patient assistance programs can provide financial assistance to people who can’t afford their ADHD medication. Other options include manufacturer copay cards and prescription discount cards.
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a chronic condition that can cause high levels of hyperactivity, impulsive behavior, and difficulty paying attention. Symptoms usually appear in childhood, when many people receive a diagnosis. However, ADHD can last into adulthood.
Treatment for ADHD sometimes lasts years, and the cost can rise quickly. Medications, doctors’ appointments, and checkups come with a price tag. If you don’t have health insurance, even the generic versions of ADHD medications may be too expensive.
In addition to cost-saving techniques, such as mail-order prescriptions or coupons, you may be able to get financial help through a patient assistance program. Read on to learn about where to find help with prescription expenses.
- pharmaceutical companies
- nonprofit organizations
- state governments
PAPs may be great for people without insurance. However,
To qualify for a PAP, you need to demonstrate financial need. The income requirements for PAPs vary depending on the program or the medication.
The following are some websites that can help you find the PAPs for which you qualify.
Medicine Assistance Tool
The Medicine Assistance Tool (MAT) is a search engine created by the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) to help people find financial assistance resources available through PAPs provided by pharmaceutical companies.
On the MAT website, you enter some personal information and the names of the medications you need. The search results show the programs and resources that can help you.
NeedyMeds
NeedyMeds is a national nonprofit PAP resource. It maintains a database of pharmaceutical companies and private PAPs. Instead of searching multiple websites, NeedyMeds provides information in one place.
RxAssist
RxAssist is a PAP website run by pharmaceutical companies. Instead of searching for individual PAPs that might cover your ADHD prescription, RxAssist can find several at once.
State programs
At least 48 states offer state-run PAPs. View a complete list here.
If you have health insurance and may not meet income requirements for a PAP, manufacturer copay cards can help you save considerably on your prescription costs. Pharmaceutical companies make these programs available to help you afford the cost of their brand-name medications.
You typically need an insurance plan to get a manufacturer’s copay card. However, some companies offer cards for people without insurance.
Depending on the program, manufacturer cards may have certain limits, such as a:
- certain number of uses
- monthly or annual maximum
- need to refill in a specific way
You might not be eligible for these programs if you’ve enrolled in a PAP or government insurance program like Medicare or Medicaid.
Specific ADHD medications
Doctors most often prescribe stimulants to treat ADHD. Several options are available, and a doctor can consider several factors when deciding which stimulant to try.
The following are common stimulant medications. Linked manufacturers offer copay cards at the time of publication. However, programs can end at any time.
| Stimulant | Brand name |
|---|---|
| methylphenidate | • Concerta • Daytrana • Jornay PM • Quillichew ER • Quillivant XR • Relexxii • Ritalin |
| dexmethylphenidate | • Focalin XR |
| amphetamine | • Adzenys XR-ODT • Contempla XR-ODT • Dynavel XR • Evekeo |
| amphetamine and dextroamphetamine | • Adderall • Mydayis |
| dextroamphetamine | • Dexedrine • ProCentra • Zenzedi |
| lisdexamfetamine | • Vyvanse |
| methamphetamine | • Desoxyn |
About
| Nonstimulant | Brand name |
|---|---|
| atomoxetine | Strattera |
| clonidine | Kapvay |
| guanfacine | Intuniv |
Some people save on prescription costs using a free prescription discount card program. These programs provide cost savings on generic and brand-name medications regardless of whether you have insurance.
Unlike PAPs, you typically don’t need to apply or meet income requirements for a prescription discount card.
While you can only use manufacturer copay cards for specific medications, prescription discount cards are valid for a variety of medications at participating pharmacies.
You can download and print the card directly from the website and take it to the pharmacy. Some cards are available as a mobile app.
If you can’t afford your current ADHD medications, work with your doctor to find a drug that treats your symptoms but doesn’t break the bank. Resources are available regardless of your income, age, or health insurance status.