The Implementation of a Patient Assistance Program in a Free Clinic Setting: A Case Report

Abstract

This article describes the implementation of a pharmaceutical Patient Assistance Program in a free clinic, including issues such as navigating complicated pharmaceutical company requirements, obtaining documentation for income verification, engaging healthcare providers, tracking and re-ordering medications, and developing clear expectations for patients. Successes, challenges, and lessons learned are also discussed.

Leading Multisector Partnerships to Address Social Determinants of Health and Advance Health Equity for an Underresourced Heart Failure Patient Population

“…Following establishment of the HRTSA Clinic ( downstream SDoH tactic), our team has had ongoing success adding midstream tactics to the overall SDoH program. To enhance patient access to medications, we utilized patient assistance programs (PAPs)8 in partnership with major pharmaceutical companies who manufacture the drugs used to treat heart failure and other comorbidities. The PAP program facilitates access to free medications so patients who cannot afford their medications do not go without them.…”