Find a Rheumatologist
A rheumatologist is the primary specialist caring for patients with lupus. Here are some options in finding a rheumatologist:
Contact your insurance company. Your insurance company can give you a list of rheumatologists that are covered by your plan and in a convenient location. If your rheumatologist practices in a hospital, make sure to ask if your insurance plan covers inpatient and outpatient services.
Use the American College of Rheumatology’s Online Directory. This directory allows you to search by country, city, state, and zip code
Website: Find Rheumatologist Disclaimer – Community Hub (rheumatology.org).
Contact your local hospital. If you are uninsured or have limited coverage, your local hospital may have a lupus or rheumatology clinic that provides free or low cost care.
Find a Mental Health Provider
Use an online directory or hotline service. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service (SAMHSA) is a free, confidential, online directory for behavioral health services.
Phone: (877) 726-4727
Website: https://www.samhsa.gov/
Prescription Assistance Programs
If you’re having trouble paying for your prescription medications:
- Talk with your doctor or pharmacist: There may be generic versions of the medications you are taking or less expensive alternatives.
- Contact the pharmaceutical company: The company that makes the drug may have assistance programs to help you pay for the medication you are taking.
- Contact your insurance company: You may get a discount for a 3-month supply instead of 1 month. Or they may have other programs available.
- Find a Prescription Assistance Program (PAP): Common requirements for PAPs are that you must be a US Citizen or legal resident, have no prescription coverage, and must meet program income guidelines, but this varies. If you have prescription coverage and don’t qualify for any PAP, these sites may also offer a prescription discount cards.
NeedyMeds
Provides a list of PAPs by brand or generic names of the medication. There is also a searchable listing of free or low cost clinics.
Phone: (800) 503-6897
Website: www.needymeds.org
Partnership for Prescription Assistance
This program is for patients who do not have any form of prescription drug coverage. There is also a searchable listing of free or low cost clinics.
Website: www.pparx.org
RxAssist
Provides a list of pharmaceutical companies that assist with medication costs and other PAPs.
Website: www.Rxassist.org/
RxHope
Provides a list of pharmaceutical companies that assist with medication costs for brand name medications only. Your doctor will need to help complete the application.
Website: www.rxhope.com
Together Rx
Provides a savings card for patients without prescription coverage to get discounts on their medications. Income limits apply.
Phone: (800) 444-4106
Website: http://www.togetherrxaccess.com/
Use a Mail Order Pharmacy
Mail order pharmacies may offer the same prescriptions at a lesser cost.
Choose an online pharmacy that has been certified by the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy as a Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Site (VIPPS). VIPPS follow all federal and state laws and regulations.
Check the recent listing here: www.nabp.net/programs/accreditation/vipps/find-a-vipps-online-pharmacy
RxOutreach
A VIPPS certified online pharmacy that can send certain prescriptions by mail at a lower cost. You must meet income requirements, you can be participating in a PAP and you can have insurance. You will need to send your prescription directly.
Phone: (888) 796-1234
Website Home Page: www.rxoutreach.org/
General Assistance Programs: http://rxoutreach.org/find-out-if-you-are-eligible/
