For the average American, medical expenses are a great financial burden. And, with each year, it’s getting worse. In fact, according to a study done by Health Affairs, it’s assumed that by the year 2025, total national domestic medical spending will constitute over 20% of the entire economy. So, if you’re struggling to afford the high and rising costs of prescriptions, you’re not alone. However, there are better options than forking over stacks of cash every time you need to refill your prescription. Fortunately, patient assistance programs have been developed by major industry corporations like Shire to offer free medication to those who cannot afford it. If you’re one of the many Americans who can’t afford the high cost of their medications, these programs may be able to help you too!

Getting to Know Shire

Shire is a biotech corporation who has been a leader in innovative medical solutions since 1986. Since then, they’ve developed and manufactured a number of assistive medications for the American public. Currently, they aim to discover more treatments for rare diseases which affect individuals all across the globe. This organization’s compassion for people is not only evident in their ongoing medical advancements, but also their education and patient efforts. In 2016 alone, Shire spent $11 million in educational grants. Additionally, they helped over 60,000 patients with free medication with the Shire Cares program.

The Shire Cares Patient Assistance Program

Through this program, Shire offers a number of prescriptions to patients at a discounted rate or completely free. However, to be eligible to receive free medication through Shire Cares, patients must have no or very little prescription medication coverage. And, there are only a few medications that are available at discount or free of charge. These medications include:

• Carbatrol Extended-Release Capsules
• Fosrenol Chewable Tablets
• Fosrenol Oral Powder
• Intuniv Extended-Release Tablets
• Lialda Delayed-Release Tablets
• Mydayis Capsules CII
• Pentasa Controlled-Release Capsules
• Vyvanse Capsules, CII
• Vyvanse Chewable Tablets, CII
• Xiidra 5%

Am I Qualified for Free Medication through Shire Cares?

As previously stated, one must have very little or no health insurance coverage to be eligible for Shire Cares patient assistance. But, there are other enrollment qualifications one must meet before receiving free medication as well. To qualify, applicants must:

• Be 18 years of age
• Have United States Citizenship or legal residential status
• Provide documentation which proves a household income below at least 300% of the National Poverty Level

It’s important to note that sometimes the Shire Care program does accept applicants who receive some prescription assistance. You’ll just need to provide documentation that your insurance includes a high deductible for prescriptions. Additionally, they sometimes accept individuals with Medicaid whose medication or copays aren’t covered by their plan. So, these factors don’t necessarily always mean disqualification.

Enrolling into Shire Cares with Advocate My Meds

Enrolling into patient assistance programs can seem overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be! Advocate My Meds is a patient assistance service who helps patients find the right programs that fit their needs. And, we offer a team of customer support experts which can help you answer all the questions you may have any hour of the day. Plus, we can even help you through the application process so that you can get approved and your free medication faster.

Have More than One Medication?

Another great benefit to the services we provide at Advocate My Meds is the number of medication options. Most Americans have more than one prescription medication. The chances are, you need more than a discount for one of the medications listed under those discounted by the Shire Care programs. Fortunately, Shire Cares isn’t the only patient assistance program committed to offering noninsured Americans free medication. In reality, there are over 700. The advantage to enrolling into Advocate My Med’s program is that you won’t only have access to Shire Cares prescriptions, but the medications offered through over 700 other patient assistance programs.

Ready to find out if you qualify for free medication through patient assistance programs? Advocate My Meds is ready to help you! Visit our website or give us a call today at 877-596-1604.