Older adults with chronic illnesses frequently have difficulty paying out-of-pocket costs for health care goods and services. Inability to pay for items such as medication compromises patient compliance, outcomes and quality of life. Patients with Parkinson’s disease are particularly dependent on prescription medications. For this population, out-of-pocket medication costs commonly range from $4,000-$7,000 per year. This presentation describes “Ali Care,” a statewide program developed at a community hospital-based Parkinson’s center to assist under-insured people with Parkinson’s disease obtain prescription medications. Parkinson’s patients in need of assistance paying for prescription medication are identified by community physicians, social workers, case managers or family members, and are referred for evaluation. A multi-disciplinary team reviews and prioritizes applications. Applicants receive the following, depending on financial need: 1) Assistance enrolling in pharmaceutical assistance programs; 2) Free medication samples; 3) Free medication purchased through the program. In addition, all applicants receive follow-up by a Registered Nurse, who evaluates financial, psychosocial, rehabilitation, and caregiver needs and who provides appropriate referrals to community resources. In 3 years, Ali Care has provided over $200,000 in medications to 200 Arizona residents with Parkinson’s disease. Outcome evaluation indicates that participation in Ali Care may improve patient quality of life. This program was designed and created to serve the community and meet the needs of a target population. Though this model specifically addresses the Parkinson’s disease population, program evaluation indicates that this model could be generalized to any defined chronically ill, older adult population.
Learning Objectives: Apply model to implement prescription assistance program for a defined population.
Keywords: Medicine, Chronic Illness
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Muhammad Ali Parkinson Research Center at Barrow Neurological Insitute, Phoenix, Arizona
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: Employee