Program allows free prescription drugs

On average, North Dakotans are paying less per prescription in comparison to most of the nation, but that doesn’t solve the issue of expensive medications. Paying less still means paying something. North Dakotans now have another option to get a prescription medication, device or supply for free.

Almost two years ago, the North Dakota Board of Pharmacy launched the Drug Repository Program. This state-wide program allows unused, donated prescription drugs and devices to be available for free. Consumers, nursing homes, pharmacies, hospice, hospitals and other facilities have donated unopened, bubble-packed or unit-dosed medications that were not used in hopes of getting them to someone who can use them. This program is based on-line and is available to any North Dakotan, regardless of insurance coverage or income.

The drugs are held in participating pharmacies throughout the state until the medications have reached their expiration date. But that is the problem pharmacists are seeing — the drugs become expired, and people that need them and could use them were not aware of the drug or device’s availability. Currently, over 60 pharmacies in ND are involved in the program with a variety of medications and devices including diabetes drugs and supplies, respiratory care and inhalers, antibiotics, cardiac and cholesterol medications, eye drops, cancer medications, and much more (Brand and Generic).

How can you see if your prescription is available? Go to www.nodakpharmacy.com under the link for North Dakota Drug Repository Program or go to www.freemedsnd.com to search for participating pharmacies and available drugs, devices, and supplies. This program is very dynamic, ever-changing with what is being added to the repository and what is taken out. Continually check for prescriptions for you and your family.

What you need may be found in a pharmacy across the state or in your hometown. But, because this is a volunteer program the dispenser of the donated drug, device, or supply may not submit a claim or otherwise seek reimbursement from any public or private third-party payer for the cost of your prescription. This allows pharmacies the option of charging a small fee of up to 2.5 times the Medicaid fee of $4.60 to cover costs of dispensing. This translates to a potential total cost of $11.50 for any drug, device, or supply depending on which product and pharmacy you are using. Please take advantage of this program and tell your family and friends.

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