About to start ADHD treatment for son and can't afford it...

I don't know what to do. Just started treatment for my son's ADHD and about to get his first prescription filled. We tried once before about 5 years ago, and I didn't like how his reaction to the medicine was and just took him off it and let things go. It's been 5 years and can't really let things go anymore. This is mainly to help him focus on his schooling so he can do better, and, as the doctor said, prepare him for life after school, which has me a little worried right now. He also has some mental disabilities and Asperger's. The thing is, the doctor insists that I don't just drop the medication if I don't like how he reacts on the medicine. He wants me to keep in touch so we can try different medicines and dosages til we get one that works that he seems to do well on. We can't afford all the tweeking around of medicines, though. It's hard to tell how much this one (Focalin) is going to cost even with a prescription card; and if he shuts down on this I definitely want him off and try something else, but we can't afford to buy medicine after medicine til we find one we're happy with. We have $500 to get through this week on, not having paid some bills yet or done the grocery shopping, plus gas for the week. We can't fall behind on our bills to do this. We just got a new house a few months ago after we lost ours to fire in December. The last thing in the world I want right now is to fall behind on house payments. I'm also dealing with some bad anxiety and feel almost unable to cope, mainly because our money and bills, and my mom is wanting me to get therapy and medicine but just don't see how we could do it at all. We don't have insurance and so little money out-of-pocket to spare. I don't even know how we're going to deal with my son much less myself.

Hi Birdpumpkin. It's nice to meet you. I would suggest to find a community mental health clinic. They work with people to help pay for medical cost's. Also you should apply for medicare and medicaid for your son. If you get a lawyer, they only get paid if you win.

I know that seems like a lot of stress, but you can do it.

Sincerely,

Piraeus

You mentioned a prescription card, I didn't know if it was PC's or another one. It has saved quite a lot in the past and can check ahead of time with the pharmancy how much the med will be with it before getting it filled to know how it will help, as it can go up to 80% but not all meds are at this discount. Here is the link to download PC's which might help if not already familiar with it:

Announcing the Psych Central Drug Discount Card | World of Psychology

It can also be helpful to contact/look up the manufacturer; many times they will have a program to help pay for their meds at a reduced cost for those w/o insurance or evenr ebates for those with insurance sometimes, which the pricing is at a fraction of the cost otherwise.

Be sure also to contact all the pharmacies in your area to find the lowest price; sometimes it is surprising the differences between them to get a better rate, especially Walmart is known for this.

Also talking to your doctor to let him know your concerns and see about free samples to start.

I know these are hard decisions you are having to make and will be sending good vibes your way to find a solution and that the right med is found sooner than later that is affordable. Hang in there and wishing you and your son all the best.

Most States have local mental health facilities that can help you with low cost to no cost counseling and medications ... Don't hesitate to call, that's what they are there for!

Thanks everyone. My son is covered with a CHiPs card - an insurance for children that also covers prescriptions, but I just don't know how much. And I can imagine some are pretty expensive.

When we are trying new meds we often buy only enough for one or two weeks. Plus one of my son's former pdocs would allow phone updates because son had no insurance.

Can you find out what drugs are on the formulary for CHiPs in your area?

Does you pdoc have any samples to try?

Also if you find a drug that works but is costly some drug companies will give you the drug for free; you have to fill out financial form and pdoc submits it to the drug company.

Thanks Yoda. My son's doctor did have someone check at the office to see which medicines were covered by CHiPs before choosing one to prescribe. Just not sure how much will be covered. Also, we couldn't pick it up Friday as the pharmacy needs the doctor to call to pre-approve it before letting us have it, and when we called, he had already closed for the day, so having to wait the weekend out to call his office for that. Have never heard of that. We've always just been able to pick up a prescription no trouble!! I don't know much about any of this stuff. Just really stressing me out.