With October upon us and as the weather slowly begins to turn, families continue to find it increasingly difficult to stretch their limited dollars.
According to a national survey conducted by the National Hemophilia Foundation (NHF), nearly half of patients and caregivers (46 percent) say they or someone in their immediate household has not been able to afford out-of-pocket costs for medications in the past year. Six in 10 say they would have extreme difficulty paying for treatments and medications without assistance.
Turlock is no different than the rest of the nation. The difference is this: Through Legacy Health Endowment and EMC Health Foundation, we are implementing a program to offer help – what we call RxRelief. We are honored to partner with Community Health Centers of America and Boies Pharmacy, which will fill your prescriptions.
How do I sign up?
Simply go to www.usfreemeds.org and fill out the application. Once submitted, our staff will review it to ensure you qualify, and you will be immediately called or emailed.
How do I find Boies Pharmacy?
Boies Pharmacy is located at 828 Delbon Ave., Turlock, CA 95382.
Who is eligible for this program?
This program is for individuals and families with employer-provided insurance, Covered California, and those who are uninsured. People with coverage from the Veterans Administration, Medicare, and Medi-Cal are not eligible.
How long will this program be in place?
It begins in October and goes through Dec. 31, 2021. If we find there is a greater need, we will continue the program into 2022.
Will I have to pay anything?
If you qualify for the program, your co-pays are 100 percent covered.
Do I need proof of income?
No, this program operates on the honor system. When you complete the application, you will be asked to verify that your income is at or below 300 percent of the federal poverty level. If you answer “yes,” you submit your form.
How is this program being paid for?
Legacy Health Endowment and EMC Health Foundation are using charitable dollars to cover the cost. They have supplied Community Health Centers of America with a grant to pay for all of the medications.
I’m in a high-deductible health plan and have not yet met my deductible. Do I qualify?
Yes, as long as you income-qualify for the program, we will cover your co-pay or deductible costs.
Why was this program created?
About 1 in 4 people who take prescription drugs struggle to pay for them. Many ration the medication they take in order to afford it. Legacy Health Endowment and EMC Health Foundation were created to help ensure that our communities get healthier and that we eliminate barriers to care. Helping people fill or refill their medications is important. It keeps them out the hospital emergency department.
We recognize the need is great and are proud to help.
