Idaho Free Meds; Idaho Company Expands Statewide to Assist Idaho Population of Uninsured With Medication Assistance

Coeur d'Alene, ID (PRWEB) February 14, 2005

The high cost of prescriptions is more than many can bear, but a Boise company is expanding statewide and may be able to help.

Idaho Free Meds is a new Idaho company specializing in medication assistance. "We assist people who are otherwise unable to afford their medications," said Jennifer Reecer, project coordinator. "For a small administrative fee, we are able to obtain three to six months of free prescription medication for clients who qualify."

Many drug manufacturers have patient assistance programs for those who can't afford their medications. That includes those who are uninsured or whose insurance does not cover prescriptions, or who are unemployed and some senior citizens not covered under Medicare.

Patients must be residents or citizens of the United States who have no prescription coverage or have used all available insurance. Income limits range from below the poverty level to $60,000, though limits may be waived in hardship cases.

"Each company has its own specific guidelines," Reecer said. "Our role is to draft the application and comply with their requirements so our clients have the best chance of getting their medications for free."

Idaho Free Meds took over the indigent services for St. Alphonsus Behavioral Health in Boise, then started helping Idaho State University with students needing assistance with medications. As a registered advocate, Reecer said, they are a "middle man between the pharmaceutical company, the doctor and the patient."

The medications, delivered directly to a doctor for the patient, are not yet entirely free. A $25 initial fee and $20 for each additional prescription or refill is charged, though the company has filed paperwork as a nonprofit organization. Now only six months old, the company hopes to receive the designation by the end of this year. That would allow them to provide service at reduced fees or free, Reecer said.

About 400 are enrolled in similar programs at the Dirne Community Health Center and pay only a $10 fee per visit, said Ginger Seaman, but incomes fall into the federal poverty level among most clients. "We use a lot of different companies on a regular basis," she said, estimating the number at about 20.

Susan Cuff, public information officer at the Panhandle Health District, said they also work with companies with patient assistance programs, but to a limited extent. "There's a lot of paperwork involved," she said.

Idaho Free Meds works with hundreds of companies, and has access to more than 1,000 brand-name medications. "People with no prescription coverage are saving $200 to $500 a month," Reecer said.

Information on the program is available at 1-888-785-9494.

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