Proven strategies to reduce consumers' pharmaceutical costs and improve health outcomes

One in four Americans, totaling 70 million people lack insurance that covers prescription drugs. Those who cannot afford their medications often go without them, resulting in poor health outcomes, especially among those who have chronic illnesses. The purpose of MaineHealth's MedAccess program is to increase access to low-cost or free prescription medications. The program achieves this goal through a variety of methods including direct assistance by MedAccess staff, medication management, website information, healthcare provider education programs, and free educational classes, which include a CD resource toolkit, scheduled through local social service agencies, community centers, medical providers, and area agencies on aging. MedAccess uses specially designed software to effectively "mine" the Pharmacy Assistance Programs (PAPs) offered by most large pharmaceutical companies. Staff also review the availability of $4 generic programs, local prescription discount programs, and Medicare Part D plans when appropriate. Over 55% of program enrollees are female. A typical enrollee is in her 20s or late 50s with part-time or self employment and cannot afford private health insurance premiums. Since its inception in 2005, MedAccess has completed over 5,100 PAP applications for a wholesale value of medications worth over $5.3 million. All of this is accomplished on a $65K annual budget. MedAccess enrollee health status and healthcare utilization are tracked. Program data has resulted in improved health outcomes and a significant reduction in hospital utilization. The MedAccess program served as the model for a statewide grant foundation initiative in 2006 that has replicated the program in 25 additional sites.