Living on a fixed income is a reality for many North Dakotans. Add multiple medical issues to the everyday cost of living, and budgets can quickly become overwhelmed.

That was the case for Donna Kuhn and her husband, Peter, when he was diagnosed with end-stage renal disease. Peter required dialysis three times a week in Bismarck, and the cost of his medications added to their financial strain.

“Our social worker told us about NDAD and encouraged me to fill out the forms,” Donna recalls. “NDAD was fantastic. Anything the drug plan didn’t cover, NDAD took care of. It made a real difference for us.”

Prescription costs not covered by insurance can be difficult to manage. NDAD’s Prescription Assistance Program helps individuals of all ages with disabilities or chronic health conditions access free or reduced-cost medications. (Some restrictions apply.)

After Peter passed away, Donna called Joan at NDAD’s Bismarck office to let her know they no longer needed assistance.

“She thanked me for the call and immediately asked if I needed help myself,” Donna says.
“I hadn’t even thought about it, so I’m glad she did.”

A short time later, Donna returned to fill out the forms for herself. She was pleasantly surprised by how simple the process was.

“It’s amazing how much help I’m getting—and I don’t have to pay extra for prescriptions,” she says.

Living on a fixed Social Security income with minimal savings, Donna knows how difficult it would be to manage these costs alone.

It’s been three years since Peter passed, and Donna still feels his absence every day. The couple began receiving NDAD benefits in 2019, and Donna continues to rely on the support.

“NDAD has been a godsend—for me and for Peter when he was with me,” she shares.

Donna fills her prescriptions twice a month. Once her application is up-to-date, all she has to do is call the pharmacy with her prescription numbers, sign for them, and walk out with her medications.

“We’re very grateful for NDAD’s help. It would be a real problem if we had to pay for everything ourselves. Joan and NDAD have made the process so simple and easy to manage.”

Her advice to others?

“Don’t hesitate to call NDAD and ask for help. If you don’t qualify, you’re not out anything—but it’s definitely worth a try.”

Interested in NDAD’s Prescription Assistance Program?

To receive assistance, you must complete an application and meet NDAD’s eligibility guidelines.
Contact your nearest NDAD office to learn more or visit https://ndad.org.