Pharmacy
Access to affordable pharmaceuticals was identified by safety net providers as the top unmet need. To develop a cost-effective strategy that expands pharmaceutical access for the uninsured and underserved, a Pharmacy Advisory Group was formed to develop a cost-effective strategy for expanding access to pharmaceuticals. The Advisory Group includes representatives from:
With the group’s guidance a strategy was developed that, when implemented, will increase access for the state’s uninsured and underserved population. This strategy includes the following:
- Free medications will be made available through the Drug Donation Program, which is administered by the Iowa Prescription Drug Corporation. Any patient that is uninsured or underinsured (without prescription drug coverage) is eligible for the free medications. The distribution will initially focus on the safety net providers until type and amount of drugs available is determined.
- A centralized intake and processing system will be established for Manufacturer Assistance Programs (MAP) through pharmaceutical companies. Once eligibility is established for the MAPs the patient will receive notification, will be able have the prescription filled at their local pharmacist who will receive a dispensing fee from the patient, and will have the medications replaced through the program.
- A Drug Discount Card will be developed for patients who do not qualify for the MAP drugs or who require drugs not on the MAP drug list and who meet the income eligibility criteria for the discount card. This card will be provided to patients to buy medications at a predetermined price which will include the discounted medication price, pharmacy dispensing fee and administration fee.
- The purchase of wholesale medications to be distributed through free clinics to cover those drugs not available through the Drug Repository Program
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