MedsHelp to open satellite office in Bedford
Lynchburg News and Advance
Saturday, January 14, 2006MedsHelp, a program that helps low-income people get prescription drugs for free, is opening a satellite office in Bedford. Bedford was the first area cut in 2003 when MedsHelp was struggling to survive by limiting services in the period before it became part of the Free Clinic of Central Virginia.
"That's why we targeted that as the first place we would set up a satellite office," said Bob Barlow, executive director of the Lynchburg-based Free Clinic.
The advent of Medicare D has opened up availability in MedsHelp, once topped out by senior citizens with multiple prescriptions and no way to pay for them. Many of those folks will now be covered under Medicare.
Beginning Jan. 23, the Bedford MedsHelp program will be open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday and Friday in an office donated by St. John's Episcopal Church, 314 N. Bridge St., (540) 586-3636.
The expansion is underwritten by a $32,000 grant from the Virginia HealthCare Foundation in Richmond, which made it possible to hire a medical access caseworker.
The money comes through a legislative appropriation "RxRelief Virginia" to the VHCF of about $570,000 to help organizations expand or establish programs to help low-income people get medications. The program uses specialized software made available through VHCF.
Debbie Oswalt, VHCF executive director, said that it's unusual for a Free Clinic in Virginia to be able to have a program like MedsHelp, which is open to all eligible residents in the community whether or not they are Free Clinic patients.
"I wish every community had a MedsHelp," said Oswalt. Through the statewide Rx Virginia program, she said, the goal is "to create other, mini-MedsHelp, in communities."
Mary Phillips of Bedford said the program is much needed.
MedsHelp has recently assisted her, after referral by Bedford Christian Ministry. Her husband's insurance had come through Rubatex, which has declared bankruptcy. She was hesitant at first she said, but "I stuck my pride in my pocket and went for help."
And she said, "You couldn't find a nicer bunch of people, they really helped me."
Caseworker Rebecca Rogers, a certified pharmacy technician, will work with volunteers recruited by St. John's, which has also donated a telephone line for the MedsHelp program.
The church, which has about 250 members, is committed to the project, said the Rev. Tom Mustard. "These folks believe in looking beyond our doors to minister in the community and beyond."
"We felt this is an important outreach ministry for the church to be involved in, and to help people who really do have to struggle to afford the medications."
Mustard said that a church member recruited volunteers, and soon had a roster of occasional and regular volunteers.
Rogers, who will be working in the Bedford office of MedsHelp, said that about 30 people have volunteered.
MedsHelp became part of the Free Clinic of Central Virginia in October 2004. MedsHelp, which has slightly different criteria for assistance than the Free Clinic, charges a $50 a year fee.
The Free Clinic serves uninsured people and charges $2 per prescription.
Between the Free Clinic's pharmacy program and MedsHelp, more than 25,000 prescriptions were filled in the 2004-2005 fiscal year.
The average prescription, according to state data, is around $68.
MedsHelp had an enrollment of about 500 in December said Barlow, but about half have moved over to Medicare D.
Last summer, MedsHelp began doing outreach and began enrolling two to five people a week.
"We know there are people out there who need help with their medications, and who are not eligible for Medicare Part D, and that's why we're trying to get the word out now," said Barlow.
This also means MedsHelp can increase services to younger people who have no insurance or no prescription coverage.
Shannon Jarvis, MedsHelp coordinator, said some patients aren't covered completely by Medicare D. She cited a client whose $116-a-month drug was not included in any formulary offered under Medicare D. Yet, through MedsHelp the client is able to get the drug at no cost.
Drugs obtained through MedsHelp are either mailed to the patient's home or to the doctor's office.
"I'm very happy we're able to offer this extended service," said Yolonda Johnson, MedsHelp pharmacy access coordinator.
Having worked with people who have to choose between buying medicine and paying for food or shelter, she said, "it's very fulfilling that we can actually provide the service for the people."
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