Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): The Symptoms, Treatments & Medications

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): The Symptoms, Treatments & Medications

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Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, commonly known as COPD, is one of the country’s most common illnesses, but at Simplefill Prescription Assistance, we have found that it is also one of the most misunderstood. The term describes a condition where airways to the lungs are partially blocked, making it difficult to draw breath. Chronic bronchitis and emphysema are both forms of COPD.

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How to Get HIV Medication Cost Assistance

How to Get HIV Medication Cost Assistance

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An estimated 1.1 million Americans live with HIV every day. Proper medical attention is essential in order to cope with this taxing illness, but too often the AIDS and HIV treatment cost hinders patients’ access to this vital care. If you cannot afford the cost of HIV medication, then there is a solution. Simplefill is dedicated to helping individuals who are under- or uninsured, providing that crucial link between patients and Prescription Assistance Programs.

To get support from Simplefill, fill out and submit the short application. A Simplefill Advocate will give you a call within 24 hours of submission to get more details and, if you are eligible, will promptly enroll you in the program. Once you are a Simplefill member, Advocates will help you complete your tailored Prescription Assistance Program applications to provide access to free or low cost medication. No two patients are alike, and by combining our extensive knowledge of the health care system with the individual needs of our members, we are able to get you the affordable medicine you need to live with HIV. We also research alternative funding programs and prescription options to relieve the financial burden of most prescription medicine.

Simplefill members don’t just get access to affordable medicine for AIDS; they also have the peace of mind that their needs are being taken care of by a team of specialists. Our services include personal medication management, so that you don’t have to feel insecure about when your prescription will arrive. We believe that our members should be focusing on their health, so we focus on providing them with reliable access to affordable or free HIV medication.

If you are living with HIV, support is just a phone call away. Reach out to a Simplefill Advocate today at 1.877.386.0206 to get prescription assistance you need.

4 Tips for Sound Sleeping As You Age

4 Tips for Sound Sleeping As You Age

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As you age, a good night’s sleep can feel elusive. But getting enough shut-eye is also vital to your health. According to the National Sleep Foundation, it’s important for adults to get 7-9 hours of sleep each night to optimize their mental and physical health.

If you’ve been having sleeping trouble, let SimpleFill help you find a solution! We’ve compiled 4 sleeping tips to provide you with a good night’s rest that will leave you feeling restored and ready to face the day.

1. Make Your Bed A Sleep-Only Space
If you watch TV, read a book, or lounge in your bed before sleeping, it’s time to cut the habit. Train your brain to consider your bed as a space for sleep, rather than a spot to relax. Only head into the bedroom when you’re ready to turn off the lights and leave leisure activities for other parts of the home.

2. Eliminate Distractions
If you’re wondering how to beat insomnia, you’ll find that devices are often the biggest culprit standing in your way. Make your bedroom a TV-free space, and try to keep away from other electronic devices at night like smart phones and tablets.

3. Keep Alcohol and Caffeine out of Your Evening Routine
Say goodbye to nightcaps or late-night coffees if you have a sleeping problem. Studies have found the consumption of alcohol before bed results in a disruptive sleep, particularly during the second half of your slumber. As a result, you’re more apt to wake up in the middle of the night and have a fitful sleep.

4. Boost Your Body’s Melatonin Levels Naturally
Melatonin, the hormone that makes you tired, is disrupted by artificial lights. To improve sleep, shut off your television and computer an hour before heading to bed and, where possible, outfit your home with low-wattage bulbs. Exposure to sunlight is also vital to keeping your melatonin levels strong.

Every day is easier to face after having a good night’s rest. Learn how to sleep better with these tips from SimpleFill, and read our other blog posts for helpful health information!

Chronic Disease Series: Diabetes

Chronic Disease Series: Diabetes

blog Diabetes / Insulin Assistance Medication Assistance Prescription Assistance Prescription Assistance Program

If you have diabetes, you aren’t alone. According to the National Diabetes Education Program, 25.8 million Americans – that’s 8.3% of the country’s population – are diabetic. There is no cure for diabetes, nor does the disease go away. Therefore, it is vital to receive treatment to keep you healthy so you can enjoy a high quality of life. Simplefill has provided you with the most common forms of diabetes and the treatments available.

Type 1 Diabetes

Background: This form of diabetes occurs when the immune system attacks the cells in the body that create insulin. Type 1 diabetes typically manifests itself in children or young adults. According to the Mayo Clinic, juvenile diabetes symptoms include extreme thirst and hunger, fatigue, weight loss, and frequent urination.

Type 1 Diabetes Treatment: Insulin treatment is the most important form of diabetes medication and is essential to the health of the individual. Typically delivered through injection, the variety of insulin types used vary depending upon the individual needs of the patient.

Type 2 Diabetes

Background: When you have Type 2 diabetes, your body does not process insulin correctly, a phenomena called ‘insulin resistance.’ This form is typical in adults, although cases in youths have increased as a result of childhood obesity. Symptoms include thirst and hunger, blurred vision, frequent infection, darkened skin spots, and weight loss.

Type 2 Diabetes Treatment: While some diabetes patients can regulate the disease with healthy eating and regular exercise, many rely on prescription medication. The diabetes medication list includes drugs like metformin and glucose-lowering treatments like glipizide, glyburide, and glimepiride, as well as insulin therapy.

If you have diabetes and are under- or un-insured, you can still get the treatment you need to live a healthy life. SimpleFill is committed to providing diabetes supplies for uninsured Americans; apply today to get affordable access to the prescription medication and treatment you deserve.

Chronic Disease Series: Rheumatoid Arthritis

Chronic Disease Series: Rheumatoid Arthritis

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According to the Arthritis Foundation, 1.5 million Americans struggle with rheumatoid arthritis every day. At Simplefill, we understand the toll that this disease can take on affected patients inflicting a near-constant pain throughout everyday life.

Typically, rheumatoid arthritis symptoms are most active during the morning. The effects are most dominant on the hands and feet, sparking joint pain that can erode bones and even lead to joint disfigurement.

Rheumatoid arthritis is unpredictable. Many patients suffer from flares, which is the term used to describe bursts of pain. Sometimes flares last for half a day, or they can linger for months. The pain and stiffness caused by rheumatoid arthritis greatly affects patients and can lead to chronic discomfort and a reduced quality of life.

Although the disease has no cure, there are Rheumatoid arthritis medications that can make the disease more bearable. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and steroids reduce inflammation and relieve pain, while disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs lessen the risk of permanent damage. Many patients also use immunosuppressants, since rheumatoid arthritis can degrade the immune system.

Prescription treatment for rheumatoid arthritis is vital to prevent the illness from taking over a patient’s life. However, for the under and uninsured, accessing medications for Rheumatoid arthritis treatment can feel financially impossible.

Simplefill exists to provide Americans with the medications they need to live happy, healthy lives. We are proud to advocate for those without health insurance and have the skills and knowledge to utilize complex Prescription Assistance programs to provide our members with free or reduced prescriptions. If you’re suffering from rheumatoid arthritis but can’t afford treatment, apply to join our program today. We will provide you with affordable access to a range of pharmacological treatments that will bring you on the path to a better life.

Help Paying For Prescription Drug Medications

Help Paying For Prescription Drug Medications

blog Help My Meds Medication Assistance Prescription Assistance Program

Too often good health comes with a price. Our health is something we take for granted until we lose it. Then the cold truth hits home, and it may seem like without a full insurance plan, good health is downright unattainable. At Simplefill, we understand losing your health is a big enough challenge and the added financial obligations should not burden you more.

According to the Mayo Clinic, more than 70 percent of American citizens use prescription medication every day. There is no “formula” that determines who needs regular medical attention. People of all ages and backgrounds are affected by health issues, and proper medication can be the difference between unbearable and manageable pain, between a worsening condition or treatment, and even between life and death.

For under or uninsured Americans, the cost of prescription medication isn’t just expensive: it can be impossible. If you are one of these people, remember you aren’t alone. There is a solution, and that solution is Simplefill, an advocacy group committed to providing patients with access to affordable medications.

Simplefill was formed on the belief that access to good health should be available to everyone, not just those with strong insurance plans. We are proud to provide our members with assistance paying for prescription drug medication, and support hundreds of patients each month. We provide a link between qualified patients and Prescription Assistance Programs (PAPs), which can radically reduce the cost of medications.

If you are part of a prescription drug plan that you cannot afford, then apply to join our program today. Simplefill offers support and a strong knowledge of the medical industry to ensure you can get the medication you need – without going into debt in the process.

Free or Low Cost Prescription Medication Options

Free or Low Cost Prescription Medication Options

blog Help My Meds Medication Assistance Prescription Assistance Prescription Assistance Program

According to the National Health Council, an estimated 133 million Americans (45% of the country’s total population) are living with a chronic disease or health issue. Illnesses not only make everyday life more complicated, but they also create a major financial strain for patients.

Many uninsured or underinsured Americans are faced with three options: Go into debt paying for treatment they can’t afford, go untreated, or settle for subpar medications. The first choice leads to financial hardship, the second two can lead to worsening symptoms and even death.

There is good news. Free or low cost prescription medication options are available, and Simplefill is driven to provide as many people with the medication they need.

Prescription Assistance Programs (PAPs) are offered by pharmaceutical companies to provide qualified patients with affordable treatment options. However, the system is complex, and many patients miss out on low cost prescriptions because they don’t know how to navigate each PAP.

Simplefill is an advocacy group providing low income prescription assistance to patients across the country. We guide patients throughout the process to ensure they get access to the medications they need at a fraction of the cost. By offering expert advice, tailored support, and a knowledgeable customer service network, Simplefill aims to provide a “simple solution to a complex problem.”

Patients should not have to forfeit their health due to limited or lack of a prescription coverage. To get access to the free or low cost medications you deserve, fill out our application or chat with one of our representatives to get started. If you have any questions, we’re just a phone call, email, or live chat away to talk you through the process. Simplefill takes the hardship out of staying healthy, and we’re proud to help hundreds of patients every month. Join us today!

Chronic Disease Series: Prostate Cancer

Chronic Disease Series: Prostate Cancer

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According to the American Cancer Society, one in seven men are expected to be diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2014. However, with proper treatment and medication, recovery is possible. Over 2.5 million American men diagnosed with prostate cancer have survived.

The prostate, found in males, is located below the bladder in front of the rectum. Changes to the shape and size of gland cells is typically what causes prostate cancer. Routine screenings are the strongest method of prostate cancer prevention. Early detection can be the difference between a treatable illness and a terminal one. The two most common screening are a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test or a digital rectal exam (DRE), which monitor changes to the prostate.

Treatment of prostate cancer is varied and depends upon the diagnosis of the individual patient. Hormone treatment lowers the growth of prostate-specific antigens in the blood, which slows or halts the disease’s progress. Other prostate cancer treatment options such as surgery, radiation therapy, or immunotherapy have also provided lifesaving solutions.

Prostate cancer is a frightening diagnosis, but there are solutions in place. These treatments are often costly, and for the under or uninsured, they can be a nightmare. Many patients are faced with a double edged sword: They can play with fate and go untreated, or go into debt to get the medical attention they deserve.

Simplefill believes no patient should face this dilemma. We represent underinsured and uninsured Americans who cannot afford their prescribed medications, supplying them with resources and support to ensure they get the treatment they need. We provide hundreds of Americans with access to their needed prescriptions each month, and we are proud to count prostate cancer patients among those we have assisted.

Prostate cancer is a stressful diagnosis, and the situation should not be escalated by the cost of treatment. Apply now  to become a part of the Simplefill community, and join us on the path towards better health today.

Three Tips for Fighting Arthritis in Cold Weather

Three Tips for Fighting Arthritis in Cold Weather

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When cold weather comes along, almost every arthritis patient can feel it in their bones. The plummeting temperatures exacerbate joint pain and stiffness, instantly taking a toll on one’s quality of life. Simplefill offers a few simple tips that will provide arthritis treatment in the coldest months, keeping your physical and mental health intact throughout the year.

Stay Active Indoors

Exercise has been proven to be one of the most effective forms of natural arthritis treatment, strengthening muscles and providing pain relief. But don’t let your routine suffer because of the cold weather. The activity will get your blood pumping, providing your body with the warmth and energy it needs to combat the low temperatures. If you have arthritis, adjust your routine to remain indoors. Stretch while watching television, take the stairs instead of the elevator, or sign up for a yoga or aerobics class. These actions will keep your body healthy… Without taking a toll on your joints.

Keep Warm Drinks within Arm’s Reach

Fluids are important for your well-being and your joints. Staying regularly hydrated flushes out toxins and keeps the body energized, minimizing the pain caused from arthritis. During cold weather, fluids can also provide a way to warm up: Drink your favorite tea or eat soup, and feel your body get comfortable in the process. This natural arthritis treatment will relieve tension and provide comfort.

Dress in Warm Clothing

Keep a pair of warm gloves or mittens and a hat in your car at all times. Should a cold front sneak up on you, it’s important to keep your hands and your head warm; this will ensure that the rest of your body stays cozy, too. If you have arthritis is your fingers, it is especially important to keep your extremities as warm as possible at all times.

Arthritis and cold weather don’t have to be a disastrous pairing. Simplefill is proud to provide the tips and resources you need to stay healthy all year long. In order to fight arthritis symptoms, Simplefill works to offer patient assistance for medications and help under-insured Americans pay for prescription drug medication. Contact us for more information.

Four Tips to Keep Your Heart Healthy

Four Tips to Keep Your Heart Healthy

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Simplefill cares about your good health. In honor of American Heart Month, we are offering four heart health tips that are easy to integrate into your lifestyle. The best part? They’ll keep you healthy and strong.

Get Your Body Moving

Aerobic exercise, which raises your heart rate, is one of the best ways to prevent heart disease. American Heart Association recommends at least at least 30 minutes of physical activity five times a week to keep your heart healthy. Regular aerobic exercise, including walking, jogging, cycling, and swimming, reduces the risk of heart disease by up to 60 percent.

Embrace Heart-Healthy Eating Habits

The foods with which you fuel your body impact the health of your heart. Stay away from sugary drinks, refined grains, and processed meats, which are typically loaded with trans-fats, cholesterol, and saturated fats. Instead, reach for these heart-healthy foods: whole grains, salmon & tuna, almonds & walnuts, spinach & carrots, and even dark chocolate. Mayo Clinic explains that a good rule of thumb is to eat as many fresh fruits, veggies, and whole grains as possible… And to avoid processed foods at all costs.

Give your Body the Shut-Eye it Needs

According to the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions, insufficient sleep increases the risk of heart disease. Adults need seven to eight hours of shut-eye each night to get adequate rest, and children require nine or more hours. Getting enough sleep doesn’t just improve the health of your heart; it also improves moods, boosts energy levels, and strengthens the immune system

Maintain a Healthy Weight

According to the American Heart Association, obese and overweight people are significantly more likely to develop cardiovascular disease than those who are a healthy weight. Speak to your physician to determine whether your weight is putting your heart at risk.

In addition to these helpful tips, Simplefill offers affordable and accessible prescription medication to help with heart conditions. We are proud to prescription assistance programs for uninsured and underinsured Americans. Contact us for more information about how to get free or low cost prescription medication.