Dutchess and Greene County Prescription Access Assistance Program.
With the ever increasing cost of prescription medications, the unemployed, low income, and uninsured are struggling to purchase needed medications. So the Dutchess/Greene County Healthcare Consortium has partnered with other local counties to create the Prescription Access Assistance Program.
This program can help countless families and individuals buy the prescription drugs they need, as many can’t currently afford them. Families now have another resource that can help them obtain and pay for medications they need to stay well.
Various counselors work as part of the Consortium. They work with families across Greene, Columbia, and Dutchess New York to share information and let residents know how they can tap into the free program. Some of the details on the service are listed below.
The Prescription Access Program was created to help the low income and needy eligible residents in the region obtain their medications at little or no cost. They do this by working directly with pharmaceutical companies.
Almost every drug manufacturers has their own prescription assistance program for people who would otherwise go without. These allows individuals to receive prescription drugs at a reduced cost. In some cases the medications may even be distributed for free. A number of eligibility requirements need to be met. Each company has a different set of qualification standards that need to be met by applicants, but they can include criteria such as lack of insurance, income level or lack of prescription drug coverage under their current health insurance plan.
The Healthcare Consortium that was established in this region of New York helps local residents tap into those various existing assistance programs. Or they can provide advice and guidance to residents to show them how they can do so on their own.
If someone can’t afford their medications and needs help, the non-profit will ask them the names of the medications they need. A counselor will then check the websites of those various pharmaceutical companies that have existing patient assistance programs. Those applicants who can’t afford medications on their own, and if they meet the eligibility requirements, then those patients may be able to get their prescriptions for free or for a reduced cost. Find more free prescription drug programs.
There are many examples that indicate the success of the program, and how it can make prohibitively pricey medications downright more affordable. One woman from Dutchess County New York with a $350 prescription was able to get her medications for just $10, even though she had no health insurance coverage.
Anyone in the community who can’t afford their prescriptions should look into this service from the Greene County Healthcare Consortium. It can help those people who need to choose between food and their own prescriptions. The patient assistance program can probably help them. Even if an additional doesn’t qualify, oftentimes a referral to another resource can be made.
Many seniors have also been key beneficiaries. Note that the program is not a part of the ProAct card that the Dutchess/Greene County Legislature approved to help residents obtain reduced cost medications. That card is separate and can provide additional savings.
To learn more, or any resident who thinks they may be able to benefit or who wants to save money by using the Greene County Healthcare Consortium’s Prescription Access Assistance Program should dial (518) 567-5068.