Insurance Refusing to Cover a Brand Name Prescription? Try This:

Sometimes you may require the brand of a prescription instead of the generic.  This can be due to how well the brand works compared to the generic, an allergy to a component of the generic prescription, or another reason.  Unfortunately, insurance companies don't like covering the brand name prescription, especially if there is a generic available.  If you have a need for the brand name and your insurance company is refusing to cover it, try this! 


  1.  Determine who the drug manufacturer of your prescription is. 

  2. Locate their "Patient Assistance Program."

  3. Determine if you qualify financially for the program. 

  4. Apply for the program, locate the forms to have the physician complete, or request the forms from the program.

  5. Ask your prescribing physician to complete their portion of the forms.

  6. Complete the patient portion of the forms. 

  7. Submit the forms and proof to the program to see if you qualify and if they are able to help you.

  8. If approved, you could receive your medication shipped to your home for free or a reduced price monthly.




You also can ask your provider to write "Dispense As Written" on your prescription. Just make sure that the prescription has the brand name of the medication, not the generic. This is supposed to prompt the pharmacy and your insurance to cover the name brand version of the medication, regardless of the reason. It doesn't always work, but it can't hurt to try. 

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