I know this being my first post on the forum, it's going to come off a little obnoxious to ask for assistance and I do apologize if this impression is given.
I registered here because the community looks active, helpful and genuinely kind.
I'm 23 and not diabetic, although it does run in my family, my father is a type 2 diabetic and 51 years old. Financially he was pretty irresponsible although he'll never admit it. He's accumulated a large sum of debt. My mother also has numerous health problems that tack on the rx and doc visit costs of thousands upon thousands a year.
My father is prescribed 'Lantus', but even with his insurance it's $400 for 15 days of prescription. This is truly obnoxious, especially considering his financial situation. He's the only working member of a 6 person household and covers my mother's medical expenses as well. He's gotten his Lantus through his doctor's samples for the past 6 months since his insurance started charging $400 for it. The doctor has no more samples and has not had any for the past month. For the past month, he's been without the medicine. Although I'm no medical expert, I believe he's faring very well medically due to his extremely restricted diet. (Strictly Salad w/ squeezed lime for dressing, fresh broth and veggies or grilled salmon).
He's afraid to eat anything else, literally. He won't touch anything else. I'm not attempting to make this a sob story and do not expect it to be taken that way but for example he wouldn't even go out to eat on Father's Day because he was worried his sugar may spike from eating something cooked at a resturaunt.
Although he's doing very well controlling his levels through his diet, I believe he needs this medication or else the doctor wouldn't have prescribed it.
His base salary, before taxes and 'insurance' (what a joke) is about 52,000. While it may seem like a wonderful salary, he's providing for a house of six including a chronically ill wife.
He's too proud to ask for assistance or help, he'd rather stand on his own two feet.. so I find myself here, asking what direction he can turn (or can I turn for him, I'll jump through the hoops, do the applications, make the phone calls.)
Thanks for any help, comments or direction that may be provided as a result of my post. I truly do appreciate it.
EDIT: I'd also like to note, that I researched on a website called 'NeedyMeds' (
NeedyMeds) and it lists two programs that assist with the cost of Lantus;
1. The manufacturing company themselves; he does not qualify for their program because it requires the individual to be at or below the 250% federal poverty level. Also, you're not allowed to have any prescription insurance.
2. 'Together Rx Access'; he would be fine on the income eligibility of this program BUT it does NOT allow you to have any prescription coverage at all.
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