Some Guilford County residents who don’t have medical insurance – or who qualify for Medicare Part D coverage but find they still can’t afford the medications they need – can take advantage of a county service that’s expected to see increased demand in the second half of this year.
The Guilford County Division of Public Health’s Medication Assistance Program has been around since 2000. However, according to county health officials, there was a significant drop in users during the COVID-19 pandemic because of “the many financial/healthcare initiatives that were rolled out” during those three years.
Now, they expect that to see the number of users grow – especially over the next few months since COVID-19 relief programs have ended or are about to end.
Currently, the Medication Assistance Program has an active case base of 150 people.
On Thursday, Aug. 17, the Guilford County Board of Commissioners accepted just under $58,000 in grant money from the state’s Office of Rural Health to help fund the program that serves low-income and uninsured people in Guilford County.
The program is an extension of the county’s pharmacy service, which operates on a reduced or sliding fee basis for financially challenged residents.
The Medication Assistance Program works by connecting those in need with existing resources offered by drug makers, government and non-profits.
The grant’s purpose is twofold: to help low-income citizens get access to free and low-cost drugs using manufacturer’s prescription assistance programs and to provide clients assistance accessing available programs that exist to fill the coverage gaps in Medicare Part D coverage.
The same program also helps out seniors in need find any available prescription assistance.
As part of the grant agreement, Guilford County health staff must agree to “collaborate closely with local public and private health care providers including pharmacists, primary care physicians, health departments, hospitals, senior centers, Area Agencies on Aging, and local Seniors’ Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) coordinators to ensure the success of their efforts.”
I can only hope it is used for those that really need it and not abused by the deadwood citizens looking for freebies and to use and beat the system.
NeedyMeds.org is a patient assistance program that anyone can look up on the internet without the help of the county or state and get information on medications that drug companies offer to help with the cost so people who don’t have insurance or can’t afford the co-pay can get the medication they need. They are a free service that has been around for years. They can help you fill out the paperwork, and many doctor offices are also able to do the paperwork for you if you ask as they are aware of the program. Not every medication is available and not everyone is eligible, it’s not a “freebies program to beat the system”. The programs were very helpful for our family when my mother-in-law had dementia and was put on two medications that were new and she couldn’t afford but the drug companies paid for about 5 years.
So don’t panic if this program is filled up, just contact NeedyMeds.org and ask for help or follow the directions on their website. It’s not difficult, just takes time and patience. This program by the County will run out of money soon, it always does.