Where can I get a prescription?

• In the state of New York a prescription can be written by a licensed doctor, registered nurse practitioner, registered certified physician assistant, dentist, podiatrist (foot doctor), veterinarian (pet doctor), and optometrist (eye doctor).
  • Some of these health professionals can write a prescription for a limited number of drugs.
    • For example an optometrist, who is a health profession specialized for eyes can only  prescribe medications to treat certain eye diseases
  • You usually get a prescription after you visit a health professional, hospital or health clinic.
• For a list of doctors in Harlem please click here.

So, my doctor gave me a prescription, now what do I do? You must bring your prescription to a pharmacy so that your pharmacist can get your medicine ready for you.

• You can bring your prescription to any pharmacy you want.
• If you do not have insurance for prescriptions, you will have to pay by cash
  • Whether you have insurance coverage or not, you should look around for savings programs that some retail pharmacies have. These programs are free or low cost to join and provide many generic medications at a discounted price! Here are some programs below:
    • Walgreens
    • CVS
    • RiteAid
• There are many programs available for people with and without insurance to help pay for medications. Some of these programs are offered by Drug and insurance companies and by non-profit organizations. Ask your local pharmacist about these types of programs. Some of these programs offered in New York are listed below:
  • New York RX Card
  • NYC Rx
• If you are changing insurance coverage or do not have insurance coverage for some time you may need to pay for your medications out of your own pocket.
• Check with your new insurance company to see if you can get reimbursed (paid back) for the medications you had to pay for on your own. Ask your local pharmacist to help you in this process.
• If you are paying out of your own pocket and waiting for your insurance to start you may want to have only part of your prescription filled. Ask your local pharmacist about the best way to help you save money.
• If you have any questions about your medicine, you have the right to ask the pharmacist. By law the pharmacist must answer your questions about your medication!
• For a list of pharmacies in Harlem click here.