Benicar HCT

Getting Help Paying for Benicar HCT: Your Guide to Affordable Blood Pressure Medication

Important Information About Benicar HCT Assistance

If you've been prescribed Benicar HCT (olmesartan medoxomil-hydrochlorothiazide) to help control your blood pressure, you may be concerned about the cost. This guide will help you understand your options for getting this medication at a lower price or free, even if you don't have insurance or if your insurance doesn't cover it.

About Benicar HCT

Benicar HCT is a combination blood pressure medication that contains two active ingredients:

• Olmesartan medoxomil: An angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) that helps relax blood vessels
• Hydrochlorothiazide: A diuretic that helps remove excess salt and water from your body

Together, these medications help lower blood pressure and reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke. Your doctor prescribed this specific combination because it's effective for your individual health needs.

What You Should Know About Manufacturer Assistance

Currently, there is no active manufacturer prescription assistance program (PAP) directly from Daiichi Sankyo for Benicar HCT. This means you cannot apply directly to the manufacturer for free or reduced-cost medication through a traditional PAP.

However, you still have several other excellent options to reduce your medication costs. Please read on to learn about alternatives that can help you afford this important medication.

Option 1: Benicar Savings Card

Daiichi Sankyo offers a Benicar Savings Card that can significantly reduce your out-of-pocket costs.

How it works:

• The savings card can reduce your copay to as low as $4-$15 per prescription (depending on your insurance)
• It's available online at https://benicar.com/savings
• You can print it or present it digitally at your pharmacy
• It works with most insurance plans (commercial insurance, Medicare Part D, and Medicaid in some states)
• There's no enrollment process—just download and use it

Who can use it:

• Patients with commercial insurance
• Medicare Part D patients
• Uninsured patients (in some cases)

Income limits: None—the savings card is available to all patients regardless of income.

Option 2: State Pharmaceutical Assistance Programs

Most U.S. states offer their own prescription assistance programs for people who cannot afford medications. These programs are separate from manufacturer programs and often have income-based eligibility.

Income eligibility varies by state but typically range from:

Note: These are general ranges. Your state program may have different limits.

To find your state program:

1. Visit NeedyMeds.org and search "state pharmaceutical assistance programs"
2. Select your state
3. Look for programs that cover hypertension medications
4. Contact the program directly for income verification requirements

Option 3: Non-Profit Assistance Organizations

Several national non-profit organizations help patients access medications:

• NeedyMeds.org: Free database of assistance programs (800-462-3833)
• Patient Advocate Foundation: Copay assistance for qualified patients
• American Heart Association: Resources for managing hypertension costs
• RxAssist: Online directory of patient assistance programs (rxassist.org)

Option 4: Community Health Centers

Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) often provide:

• Free or low-cost medications
• Sliding scale fees based on income
• Help applying for assistance programs

Find a center near you:

• Call 211 (dial 2-1-1) and ask for the nearest FQHC
• Visit findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov

Option 5: Generic Alternatives

Benicar HCT is available as a generic medication (olmesartan medoxomil-hydrochlorothiazide), which is significantly cheaper than the brand name version. Ask your doctor if you can take the generic version instead—it contains the exact same active ingredients and works the same way, but typically costs much less.

Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Help

Step 1: Start with the Benicar Savings Card (Free, No Application)

Time needed: 5 minutes

• Visit https://benicar.com/savings
• Download or print the card
• Bring it to your pharmacy when filling your prescription
• Ask if it will reduce your copay

Step 2: Ask About Generic Options

Time needed: 5 minutes (phone call to doctor)

• Call your doctor's office
• Ask if you can use the generic version (olmesartan-hydrochlorothiazide) instead
• Generic versions cost 60-80% less on average
• If your doctor agrees, request a new prescription for the generic

Step 3: Check Your State Program

Time needed: 15-30 minutes

• Visit NeedyMeds.org or call 211
• Find your state's pharmaceutical assistance program
• Note the phone number and application process
• Gather required documents (see below)
• Call or apply online

Step 4: Contact Non-Profit Organizations

Time needed: 10-20 minutes

• If you don't qualify for state programs, call Patient Advocate Foundation or RxAssist
• Explain your situation
• Ask what programs might help you

What Documents You'll Need

When applying to any assistance program, have these ready:

• Proof of income (last 2 pay stubs, tax return, or benefit letter)
• Prescription from your doctor for Benicar HCT
• Insurance information (if you have insurance)
• Proof of citizenship (usually a driver's license)
• Photo ID
• Proof of residency (utility bill or lease agreement)

Note: Requirements vary by program—check with each program for their specific requirements.

Processing Time and What to Expect

• Savings Card: Immediate (use right away)
• State programs: Usually 2-4 weeks
• Non-profit programs: 4-8 weeks typical
• Most programs: Will mail medication directly to you or provide instructions for pickup at pharmacy

If You're Denied or Don't Qualify

1. Ask why you were denied—some programs have specific requirements you might not have known about
2. Try another program—different programs have different eligibility rules
3. Negotiate with your pharmacy—ask about cash discounts for generic versions
4. Talk to your doctor—they may know other resources or prescribe a more affordable alternative
5. Contact a patient advocate—Patient Advocate Foundation (800-532-5274) can help you navigate options

Important Reminders

• Never stop taking your medication without talking to your doctor, even if cost is an issue
• The generic version is just as effective as the brand name
• Multiple programs can work together—you might use a savings card while waiting for other assistance
• Reapply annually—your eligibility may change year to year

Legal Disclaimer

This guide provides general information about prescription assistance options. It is not medical advice. Always follow your doctor's instructions regarding your medication. The information about assistance programs, eligibility, and benefits is accurate as of the publication date but may change. Contact programs directly for current information. Eligibility for assistance programs is determined by the program providers and may include income limits, insurance status, citizenship requirements, and other factors. This information is provided for educational purposes only.