Partnership for Prescription Assistance The Partnership for Prescription Assistance (PPA) brings together America’s pharmaceutical companies, doctors, other health care providers, patient advocacy organizations and community groups to help qualifying patients who lack prescription coverage get the medicines they need through the public or private program that’s right for them. Many will get them free or nearly free. Its mission is to increase awareness of patient assistance programs and boost enrollment of those who are eligible. Through this site, the Partnership for Prescription Assistance offers a single point of access to more than 475 public and private patient assistance programs, including more than 180 programs offered by pharmaceutical companies. To access the Partnership for Prescription Assistance by phone, you can call toll-free, 1-888-4PPA-NOW (1-888-477-2669).
You can access the PPA website at
https://www.PPARx.org
Medigap (Medicare Supplemental) Insurance
A Medigap policy is health insurance sold by private insurance companies to fill the “gaps” in Original Medicare Plan coverage. Medigap policies help pay some of the health care costs that the Original Medicare Plan doesn’t cover. If you are in the Original Medicare Plan and have a Medigap policy, then Medicare and your Medigap policy will pay both their shares of covered health care costs.
Generally, when you buy a Medigap policy you must have Medicare Part A and Part B. You will have to pay the monthly Medicare Part B premium. In addition, you will have to pay a premium to the Medigap insurance company.
For additional information on Medigap policies, including why you would want to buy a Medigap policy and information about what Medigap policies cover, please read Medicare’s publication, Choosing a Medigap Policy: A Guide to Health Insurance for People with Medicare.
You can access Medicare’s website on this topic at
http://www.medicare.gov/medigap/default.asp
AARP
AARP is a nonprofit membership organization of persons 50 and older dedicated to addressing their needs and interests. It contracts with insurers, currently United HealthCare Insurance Company, to make health insurance coverage available to AARP members. Insurers and providers pay a fee to AARP and its affiliate for use of the AARP trademark and other services. Amounts paid are used for the general purposes of AARP and its members.
- Essential Health Insurance: A basic fixed-cash hospital indemnity plan offering some coverage with a significantly lower premium.
- Essential Plus Health Insurance: An enhanced fixed-cash hospital indemnity plan offering a lower cost option to major medical insurance.
- Hospital Indemnity Insurance: An affordable supplement indemnity plan providing fixed-cash benefits for expenses – payable in addition to other health insurance you might have.
- Major Medical Health Insurance: A range of custom-designed major medical health plans offering coverage for members.
- Medicare Advantage Insurance: Comprehensive health plans that bring all the benefits covered under original Medicare and more.
- Many plans include things like prescription drug coverage, no limitations on pre-existing health conditions and fitness benefits.
- Part D Prescription Drug Insurance: Three great plans that offer coverage on thousands of brand name and generic prescription drugs, access to a national network and ways to save by mail delivery. Predictable co-pays and two plans with no annual deductible.
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Supplemental Health Insurance: Insurance that helps cover the expenses not covered by original Medicare and limits annual out-of-pocket expenses.
You can access the AARP Health website at
http://www.aarphealthcare.com/default.aspx
Medicare Part D – Prescription Drug Plan Coverage
Medicare prescription drug coverage is insurance that covers both brand-name and generic prescription drugs at participating pharmacies in your area. Medicare prescription drug coverage provides protection for people who have very high drug costs or from unexpected prescription drug bills in the future. Everyone with Medicare, regardless of income, health status, or prescription drugs used, can get prescription drug coverage.
Like other insurance, if you join, generally you will pay a monthly premium, which varies by plan, and a yearly deductible. You will also pay a part of the cost of your prescriptions, including a co-payment or coinsurance. Costs will vary depending on which drug plan you choose. Some plans may offer more coverage and additional drugs for a higher monthly premium. If you have limited income and resources, and you qualify for extra help, you may not have to pay a premium or deductible. You can apply or get more information about the extra help by calling Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) or by visiting www.socialsecurity.gov on the web.
You can access Medicare’s website for Prescription Drug Plan Coverage at
http://www.medicare.gov/pdphome.asp
Gateway to Care
Gateway to Care is a 501(c)(3) collaborative comprised of 167 public and private safety net health systems, coalitions, advocacy groups and social service providers working together to assist medically indigent residents in the Greater Houston Area to receive medical care at the most appropriate setting.
If you are uninsured or underinsured and live in the Greater Houston Area, Gateway to Care may be able to assist you in accessing the health care services that you and your family are seeking. You can complete the online form, provided on Gateway to Care’s website, or call 713-783-4616.
If you have an URGENT health question, please call ASK YOUR NURSE immediately at 713.633.CALL(2233). This is a 24-hour/7 days a week, FREE service that has a nurse available to answer any of your health concerns.
You can access Gateway to Care’s website at
http://www.gatewaytocare.org
