Just a thought--in the past I've been able to get substantial prescription assistance through different manufacturers. ANYTIME I get a prescription for a name-brand drug, I google around, and at least half of the time find some really good coupons--even freebies--usually on the "official website" for that particular drug. These are good, regardless of your insurance coverage. If they have nothing the first time you look, it's worth looking again later. The promos come and go, and usually have expiration dates, though not always.
I think there is even more assistance available for people who don't have insurance as good as mine. It's like a scavenger hunt to find that assistance though. After reading your post, I looked a little bit and struck out on the abilify website, but then found a contact number number for Bristol-Myers on the NAMI website. It's 1-800-332-2056. Could be worth a try. I also wonder if the doctor has any samples available in the office. I've found that many times they do, but you have to ask. Sometimes, they will even give you more than one little sample pack--if you ask and make your need clear. Sometimes, the doctor has great freebie or deep discount coupons too. I've found that ANY name-brand drug is worth asking questions--antibiotic, cough medicine, eye drops, psychiatric drugs--ANYTHING!
As a sidenote, if anybody is taking provigil--possibly considering the newer "cousin" nuvigil--I'm feeling like I just hit the lottery on that one. Freebies for 45 days, and then deep discounts for a few months. Yes, I get the manufacturer's game. I know they want people to convert to nuvigil now, so that when the provigil comes out in generic soon, people will want to stay on the nuvigil, which will be under patent for several years. I don't care, though. I'll go for the nuvigil now and figure out how to play the new game when the rules change. As of this time, even when the discounts run out, the nuvigil is still cheaper retail than the provigil.
Similar game may be going on with lamictal. I got a tip that there may be an "instant dissolve" form (name-brand), cheaper than the older name-brand lamictal. I haven't checked it out yet, but makes sense for the manufacturer to do SOMETHING to try to lure people away from the generic lamictal.
Good luck on your hunt. I hope you find something to help. Those costs are ridiculous!