8 Ways To Reduce the Cost of Schizophrenia Treatment

The cost of schizophrenia treatment — including medications, therapy, hospital visits, daily support, and more — can be a barrier if you’re trying to manage this mental health disorder for yourself or someone you love. The good news is that financial assistance options are available. In many cases, they’re also essential for your overall well-being and the long-term management of schizophrenia.

Here are eight ways to reduce the cost of schizophrenia treatment. Your healthcare provider or support group may know about additional resources and recommendations.

1. Talk to Your Doctor

If you’re having trouble paying for your schizophrenia medications, start by talking to your doctor. They may be able to offer less expensive treatment options, like generic or off-brand versions of your antipsychotic drugs.

Sometimes, pharmaceutical companies provide samples at no cost to healthcare providers. If your doctor has samples of your medication or a similar drug, they may be able to offer you those samples as a short-term solution for no charge. Before you run out, they may require a follow-up visit to discuss long-term solutions.

2. Find No-Cost or Low-Cost Community Clinics

Many regions have community clinics providing healthcare to those who need it. Services vary by clinic and may be offered at no charge, provided at a reduced price, or charged on a sliding scale based on income. If you have a no-cost or low-cost community clinic near you, ask about their mental health services and whether they offer antipsychotic treatment and any other care you need.

Your healthcare provider or therapist may also be able to refer you to a clinic.

3. Apply for a Prescription Card

Prescription cards can be a cost-effective way to help pay for the treatment of schizophrenia. Many prescription cards are available at no charge if you meet eligibility requirements, and they can reduce the cost of your antipsychotics and other medications at your pharmacy.

Here are a few cards to consider:

• America’s Pharmacy
• Blink Health
• BuzzRx
• GoodRx
• SingleCare
• WellRx

When choosing a card, consider whether there is a subscription fee and how that affects your total cost savings. Also, consider the projected savings on your prescriptions and the size of the pharmacy network.

4. Contact Nonprofit Organizations

Nonprofit organizations exist to support the more than 24 million people worldwide who are living with schizophrenia. Some organizations are specific to schizophrenia and other mental disorders, while others are for anyone struggling to afford effective treatment options and managed care for rare and chronic illnesses.

Here are a few nonprofits to consider when looking for financial help and resources:

• National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
• Schizophrenia & Psychosis Action Alliance
• PAN Foundation
• HealthWell Foundation
• NeedyMeds

The National Institute of Mental Health is a federal agency rather than a nonprofit, but it’s another reliable source of information about schizophrenia and help for mental illnesses.

In addition to financial support and other resources, some nonprofits also offer caregiver support groups, mental health education, and more.

5. Apply for Medicare and Medicaid

Medicare and Medicaid are government-funded health insurance programs in the United States. To enroll in Medicare, you must be 65 or older or have a qualifying condition or disability. To enroll in Medicaid, you must prove that you have limited income and resources. Eligibility requirements for Medicaid vary by state.

Depending on which program you have, Medicare or Medicaid may help pay for:

• Outpatient care
• Inpatient care (in a hospital)
• Individual and group psychotherapy
• Psychiatric evaluation
• Family therapy
• Case management
• Injectable antipsychotics

Legislation surrounding Medicaid and Medicare can change. For up-to-date information about program benefits and to find out if you qualify, visit Medicare.gov or Medicaid.gov.

6. Apply for Social Security Benefits

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are federal disability income programs that provide financial support to people who are unable to work due to mental illness and other reasons.

The symptoms of schizophrenia can make it challenging for some people to maintain a job, which can lead to loss of income and, in severe cases, homelessness. Social Security was designed as a safety net, not just for people with psychotic disorders, but also for anyone at risk of poverty due to illness, accidents, disabilities, and more.

SSDI and SSI can help pay for rent, food, and other indirect costs you may struggle to pay due to a diagnosis of schizophrenia. There are strict eligibility requirements for these programs, and both require ongoing paperwork and appointments. Some people benefit from the support of a family member, caregiver, or social worker when applying for these programs.

7. Contact the Pharmaceutical Company

Some pharmaceutical companies offer financial support to individuals taking the brand-name version of their drug. These are commonly referred to as patient assistance programs. Many antipsychotic medications may be covered under these programs.

Eligibility requirements vary, and you’ll need to contact the company or their patient assistance program to find out if you qualify. Visit the NAMI website for a list of pharmaceutical companies and their contact information. You can also search for patient assistance programs at NeedyMeds, RxAssist, and RxHope.

8. Ask for Help

Whether you’re trying to manage the financial burden of schizophrenia for yourself or a family member, you do not have to go it alone. People working in mental health services and related fields often know about financial aid programs, including those that aren’t widely advertised. They may also be able to offer tips for securing resources you’ve found on your own.

Here are a few places to look for support:

• Primary care providers
• Psychiatrists
• Psychologists
• Therapists and other mental health professionals
• Social workers
• Financial navigators
• Case managers
• Nonprofit organizations focusing on mental health

Schizophrenia is a serious mental illness that comes with an economic burden. Lean on others for help managing the healthcare costs so you can focus on medication adherence and improving your quality of life.

Talk With Others Who Understand

MySchizophreniaTeam is the site for people with schizophrenia and their loved ones. On MySchizophreniaTeam, members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with schizophrenia.

Are you or someone you love living with schizophrenia? Have you found ways to reduce the total cost of treatment? Share your experience in the comments below.