kminnis,

Samples are not generally the best way to deal with not being able to afford prescriptions. There are no samples available for generic medications and some types of brand name medication. Additionally, even if the companies distribute samples of the medications you need, you can't really count on your doctor to have what you need when you need it.

Most of the pharmaceutical companies have patient assistance programs to provide free medications to patients with no insurance who meet their income guidelines. Those guidelines are pretty generous. Try going to www.pparx.org to check on all of your medications. You list all of them on the site, and it will tell you which ones have programs you qualify for. It will then even take you through the process to fill out the application forms and print them. You then take them to your doctor for his or her signature and send them in.

Also, if your income is low enough, you might qualify for coverage under Medicaid. Talk to someone in the closest office of the Department of Health and Human Services for information and to see if you qualify.

Good luck,

Teri