Finding Free or Low Cost Treatment for Bipolar
Living with bipolar is stressful enough and you don’t need the added stress and anxiety that comes along with locating affordable treatment. Medication is a necessary requirement for individuals who are suffering from bipolar and for many people it is a requirement in their lives that they can receive the treatment they need at the lowest cost possible, if not for free.
As medication is an important aspect of treating bipolar, it is important that you do a little research to find free or low-cost medication that may be available to you. There are many pharmaceutical companies that provide patient assistance programs to provide individuals suffering from bipolar access to medications that they may otherwise not be able to afford.
Each company has different criteria’s for their programs, but this is definitely something that is worth checking out. These programs typically provide the medication free of charge to the physician who then provides it to their patients. The type of medication that you require will depend on which pharmaceutical company’s program you may be eligible for. If you do not know which company makes your medication, you can contact your doctor or local pharmacy for that information.
Alternatively, many of these same pharmaceutical companies provide samples to physicians. Ask your doctor if he or she offers samples of your medication so that you do not have to purchase it. This can be extremely helpful in terms of medication cost, even if you can only get a portion of the medication you need for free.
In 1999, the Clinical Psychiatry News reported that many patients are able to save up to 37% on their medication bill by pill splitting. This is because you can often purchase higher dosages of a medication at a slightly higher cost. You can then split the pill to receive the proper dosage of medication. This strategy can also go a long ways in making your medication more affordable.
Another program that may be of help to you is known as “The Medication Program.” This program is for individuals who do not have insurance, do not qualify for government assistance and cannot afford the cost of their medications. You do pay a onetime processing fee of $5 for your medications and you do have to apply and be approved. If you are approved, you receive a 90-day supply of your medication within two to three weeks. This program can be found at http://www.themedicineprogram.com/.
Additionally, it is always a good idea to discuss your treatment with your physician. Many offer a sliding scale, which can reduce the cost of their fees. At the same time, many providers are willing to negotiate a payment plan that can assist you in keeping their services affordable. Community mental health centers are also a useful resource and can offer mental health treatment for free or at a reduced cost.
David Oliver is one of the nation’s leading experts on bipolar disorder. He offers a FREE customized and personalized mini course that reveals tips, tricks, and secrets on how bipolar supporters and bipolar survivors can cope and deal with bipolar disorder. To get your copy, visit http://www.bipolarcentral.com/register1.
About The Author: David Oliver is one of the nation’s leading experts on bipolar disorder. He offers a FREE customized and personalized mini course that reveals tips, tricks, and secrets on how bipolar supporters and bipolar survivors can cope and deal with bipolar disorder. To get your copy, visit http://www.bipolarcentral.com/register1.
