A pharmacy-based referral program to assist low-income Medicare beneficiaries

Patient Assistance Programs and Technology in Medication Adherence

“…Similarly, adherence was enhanced when technology (e.g., use of a mobile application) was utilized to synchronize timing/remind patients of medication administration. [1][2][3][4][5][8][9][10][11][12] Technology increases patient engagement, particularly with their medications, promote health outcomes and reduce mediation errors. 5…”

“…Ultimately, the goal of the program is to prevent further clinical complications by affording the patient the ability to obtain needed therapy, and to Corresponding author: Genevieve M. Hale, PharmD, BCPS, BCCP; Assistant Professor, Pharmacy Practice Nova Southeastern University College of Pharmacy 11501 North Military Trail, Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410 Phone: 561-805-2277; Fax: 561-805-2266 Email: Gh341@nova.edu improve patient access to medications for little or no cost. 4 Incorporating technology as a tool to foster adherence is becoming more commonplace in practice. It is predicted that 61.9 million individuals will have a smartphone in 2021.…”

“…Ultimately, the goal of the program is to prevent further clinical complications by affording the patient the ability to obtain needed therapy, and to improvepatient access to medications for little or no cost. 4 Incorporating technology as a tool to foster adherence is becoming more commonplace in practice. It is predicted that 61.9 million individuals will have a smartphone in 2021.…”

Implementation of a pharmacist-delivered Medicare counseling service in a rural community health center

“…11,12,17 A partnership between the Auburn University School of Pharmacy and the Alabama Department of Senior Services, called the Certified Aging Resource Educated Specialist Program, has gone even further by developing a community pharmacy network with staff trained in identifying and referring Medicare patients who may be eligible for financial assistance programs. 13 The service outlined in this paper complements these existing efforts by expanding this discussion to include pharmacists embedded within an ambulatory care setting to improve patient knowledge of Medicare and connect patients to the needed assistance. It is important to note that all states have a SHIP program to provide local, personalized insurance counseling to Medicare beneficiaries and their families.…”

“…11,12 It has also been shown that community pharmacies are practical locations to identify and refer low-income Medicare beneficiaries to state agencies responsible for financial assistance program enrollment. 13 Pharmacists are progressively viewed as key components of interdisciplinary teams providing patient-centered care, and more pharmacists are embedded in outpatient medical offices. Postgraduate training in ambulatory care has been one of the fastest growing specialties over the last 5 years, and has seen a 112% increase from 2018 to 2019.…”