In their first six months, July-December 2005, MedHelp Maine’s six prescription assistance program partners together obtained over $1.4 million worth of free medications for low-income residents.
They helped 436 patients of 73 physicians by processing applications to drug manufacturer patient assistance programs for 2,139 initial and refill prescriptions.
Each program is staffed by a prescription assistance coordinator who indentifies the most appropriate source of help for an individual, and then facilitates enrollment for both prescriber and patient.
Ongoing communication among programs as well as training for program consistency is coordinated by MedHelp Maine. Major financial support is being provided by a Maine Health Access Foundation grant awarded to MedHelp Maine - less than $50,000 of which has made these incredible results possible.
Since an additional hospital-based program will begin soon, this is an ideal time for others to participate in new program coordinator training. Organizations interested in joining this collaborative effort are encouraged to contact MedHelp Maine.