Straight Medicare pays for no prescription drugs. Coverage varies for those with Part D or Advantage plans. A doc may have to explain why he wants you on a drug that costs $$thousands per month vs a generic that retails for around $80. Drug manufacturers may have a program to defray costs based on need, but these have to be renewed periodically, and no guarantee how long they'll continue. The previous admin put a $2K cap on out-of-pocket costs for the elderly, but I don't know if that been rescinded.