Medication is incredibly expensive. And while proper health care has become more accessible since the Affordable Care Act, it still leaves a lot to be desired. Furthermore, with the new Trump Administration, there is a lot of uncertainty in terms of what is and isn’t covered. If you have been prescribed medication, it is possible that you will be in a situation where you cannot afford it. This is particularly true if the medication is a treatment for an illness that leaves you unable to work. If you experience financial hardship, you have the opportunity to write a letter to the drug representative about this, explaining your situation.
Tips for Writing a Hardship Letter Medication Cost
This type of letter is a formal request, so it should be written accordingly. This means that you should address it to the right department and the right person. Your letter should also be dated. In the subject line, explain that the letter is a hardship letter, referencing the name of the drug.
Starting the Letter
Make sure that your letter is straight to the point. Begin by explaining what you want – a percentage discount or even a free supply of a certain drug. State that you have been taking this medication for a specific condition and that it has significantly improved your quality of life. Explain the condition that you have, and what the medication is for. Also explain what would happen should you no longer be able to take the medication. Do also make sure you include information about the dosage and how often you need to take it.
Content of the Hardship Letter
It is very common for people to have to write a hardship letter medication cost after the price of medication goes up. If this is the case with you, make sure to include the date when the cost increased and what the old and new prices are. Explain that the price as it stands is no longer affordable for you, and why. Make sure you include documented evidence of this through a financial statement indicating your income and expenses. Attach pay stubs, Social Security benefit payments, bills, and so on.
Do also explain that you have tried to budget for the medication. Perhaps you have given up on social affairs, you have canceled a television subscription, or other things. Explain that you are still able to pay a certain amount if you are, and indicate that amount. However, be honest with that. It is better to offer nothing than to offer something that you cannot afford. You may also request, particularly if you do offer to pay something, for the price of the medication to no longer go up for you.
Ending the Letter
End the letter by thanking the manufacturer or supplier for their consideration. Keep the letter short and concise. Ideally, it should fit on a single page. Make sure to include photocopies of all your evidence, and that you take a copy of the letter for your own records as well. Lastly, send it through registered post.
Hardship Letter Medication Cost Example
{Your Name}
{Your Address}
{Your Phone #}
{Date}
Dear {Drug Representative}:
I am writing to request a discount of {percentage} on {medication}.
For the last {amount of time} I have been on {medication}, which I require for {condition}. This is a life-threatening condition, and if I do not take this medication every {frequency}, {consequence} will occur.
As you know, {medication} increased in price from {price} to {price} over the course of {amount of time}. This price is one that I can no longer afford, as you can see from the {pay stubs, bank receipts} that I have attached to this letter.
I am still capable of paying {price} per {amount}, and I would like to ask that that price remain what I am charged.
Thank you for your time and consideration. Please feel free to contact me at {contact information}.
Thank you,
{Sender Name}