Help with Prescription Costs
- Needymeds.org – a non-profit group that can help patients in need receive a discount card for prescriptions (under “Patient Savings” – provides information about patient assistance from pharmaceutical companies; and SHIP (state health insurance assistance program)).
- Pparx.org – provides information on free or discounted medications from pharmaceutical companies for patients without insurance.
- Rxoutreach.org – discounted medications for low income individuals.
- Benefitscheckup.org – lists of services to assist with paying for medications or food.
- Blinkhealth.com – This site will help your patient identify a generic substitution for a brand-name medication you prescribed. It will also direct patients to where they can purchase generic medications for the least expense.
- There are websites (goodrx.com, pharmacychecker.com, blinkhealth.com) and apps (lowestmed, goodrx) that can be used on smartphones to compare prices.
Resources for Medicare patients
- Medicare.gov – This site helps patients understand and choose from Medicare Part D plans offered within their state; formulary information for each plan is included.
- Medicare pharmaceutical assistance programs – Provides criteria for eligibility and contact information on state help for drug payments.
- Medicarerights.org – An independent, non-profit, consumer advocacy group that counsels patients and helps them navigate the Medicare system, and make the most of their Medicare coverage.
- Ssa.gov/prescriptionhelp – A Social Security-based program that provides options for patients who need assistance with medication costs.
- Ssa.gov/pubs/10525.html – Provides instruction and the application to apply to the Extra Help program.
- Shiptalk.org – State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP); one-on-one counseling for patients and families to assist with their Medicare options.
Allergies
Allergies are among the most common chronic conditions worldwide. Allergy symptoms of allergies range from making you miserable to putting you at risk for life-threatening reactions.
According to the leading experts in allergy, an allergic reaction begins in the immune system. Our immune system protects us from invading organisms that can cause illness. If you have an allergy, your immune system mistakes an otherwise harmless substance as an invader. This substance is called an allergen. The immune system overreacts to the allergen by producing Immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies. These antibodies travel to cells that release histamine and other chemicals, causing an allergic reaction.
Anaphylaxis
Anaphylaxis (an-a-fi-LAK-sis) is a serious, life-threatening allergic reaction. The most common anaphylactic reactions are to foods, insect stings, medications and latex.
If you are allergic to a substance, your immune system overreacts to this allergen by releasing chemicals that cause allergy symptoms. Typically, these bothersome symptoms occur in one location of the body. However, some people are susceptible to a much more serious anaphylactic reaction. This reaction typically affects more than one part of the body at the same time.
Drug Allergy
Adverse reactions to medications are common, yet everyone responds differently. One person may develop a rash or other reactions when taking a certain medication, while another person on the same drug may have no adverse reaction at all.
Only about 5% to 10% of these reactions are due to an allergy to the medication.
Food Allergy
If you have a food allergy, your immune system overreacts to a particular protein found in that food. Symptoms can occur when coming in contact with just a tiny amount of the food.
Many food allergies are first diagnosed in young children, though they may also appear in older children and adults.
Latex Allergy
Latex is a milky sap produced by rubber trees. The sap is blended with chemicals during manufacturing to give latex its elastic quality. Natural rubber latex is often found in rubber gloves, condoms, balloons, rubber bands, erasers and toys.
If you are allergic to latex your body treats latex as an allergen and sets off an allergic reaction. Latex allergies are most common in people who have regular exposure to latex products such as rubber gloves. That is why this allergy is most common among healthcare workers and people who have undergone multiple surgeries.
Mold Allergy
Molds are tiny fungi whose spores float through the air. They like damp environments and need four things to grow: food, air, appropriate temperature and water. Molds can be found outdoors, in homes and in other buildings.
Everyone breathes in mold spores in the air, but some people have an allergic reaction or asthma symptoms if exposed to too much of this fungus.