Prescription Drugs

Model Programs & Best Practices



National Governor's Association (NGA) Center for Best Practices
www.nga.org/

Description: The NGA Center for Best Practices tracks state efforts to provide pharmaceutical assistance to the elderly, persons with disabilities and the uninsured. The Center provides research and analysis for states on emerging issues and state best practices.
Information Available: Reports, issue briefs, meeting summaries, and other on-line documents; including analysis of model state pharmaceutical programs.

 

National Organizations

 

National Network of Libraries of Medicine

http://nnlm.gov/outreach/consumer/hlthlit.html

Description: Health Literacy includes the ability to understand instructions on prescription drug bottles, appointment slips, medical education brochures, doctors’ directions and consent forms and the ability to negotiate complex health care systems.  Consumer health librarians support the direct needs of health information consumers by providing materials that are multi-lingual, culturally appropriate and easy to read, and by developing methods and materials to teach consumers how to evaluate health information resources, especially those found on the Internet.  Established in 1965, the mission of the National Network of Libraries of Medicine (NN/LM) Mid Continental Region (MCR) is to advance the progress of medicine and improve the public health by: 1) providing all U.S. health professionals with equal access to biomedical information; and 2) improving the public’s access to information to enable them to make informed decisions about their health.  The Program is coordinated by the National Library of Medicine and carried out through a nationwide network of health science libraries and information centers.

Information Available: Provides funding opportunities, listings of organizations and programs, local resources, and health information. 

 

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Is our Pharmacy meeting patients’ needs?: Pharmacy Health Literacy Assessment Tool User’s Guide

http://www.ahrq.gov/qual/pharmlit/

Definition: This pharmacy health literacy tool was designed to capture the perspective of three critical audiences-objective auditors, pharmacy staff, and patients.  The three parts of the assessment are complimentary and designed to form a comprehensive assessment.  Although the assessment are complementary and designed to be used in outpatient pharmacies of large, urban, public hospitals that primarily serve minority population, it can be adapted for use in other pharmacy and non-pharmacy environments.

Information Available: Provides a health literacy assessment tool.

 

Missouri Resources


Missouri Department of Social Services, Missouri Rx Plan
http://morx.mo.gov/index.htm

Description: MoRx is Missouri's State Pharmacy Assistance Program. MoRx was created by the 93rd General Assembly to provide prescription drug assistance to Missourian's in need by coordinating benefits with Medicare's (Part D) Prescription Drug Program.

Information Available:  Enrollment information, clinical services programs, links to related MO HealthNet resources.

Missouri Department of Social Services, Division of Medical Services-
Missouri Medicaid Pharmacy Program
www.heritage-info.com/mocaidrx/

Description: The Division of Medical Services administers the Missouri Medicaid program, providing medical services to eligible beneficiaries. Significantly expanded in 1991, the Missouri Medicaid Pharmacy Program provides prescription drug services to Medicaid recipients.
Information Available:  Information on MO HealthNet pharmacy services, participant and provider information, and Frequently Asked Questions.

 

Prescription Assistance Programs


Indigent Prescription Programs
www.edhayes.com/indigent.html

Description: The research-based pharmaceutical industry has had a long standing tradition of providing prescription medications free of charge to physicians whose patients might not otherwise have access to necessary medications.
Information Available: This site contains a list of names and telephone numbers of prescription drug companies that have indigent programs in place.


NeedyMeds
www.needymeds.com

Description: NeedyMeds is an information source to assist individuals who cannot afford prescription drugs.
Information Available: Contact information for patient assistance programs which can be accessed by drug or program name. Also includes Medicaid links, Federal Poverty Guidelines, pharmaceutical discount card comparisons and news articles.


Prescription Assistance Programs:
Partnership for Prescription Assistance
www.pparx.org

Description: The Partnership for Prescription Assistance brings together America's pharmaceutical companies, doctors, other health care providers, patient advocacy organizations and community groups to help qualifying patients who lack prescription coverage get the medicines they need through either a public or private program. Many will get them free or nearly free. The agency's mission is to increase awareness of patient assistance programs and boost enrollment of those who are eligible.

Information Available: The site offers a single point of access to more than 275 public and private patient assistance programs, including more than 150 programs offered by pharmaceutical companies. Individuals can determine which programs they may be eligible for by answering questions and using the online application wizard.


Policy


Families USA - Voice for Health Care Consumers
http://www.familiesusa.org/issues/prescription-drugs/

Description: Families USA is a national nonprofit, non-partisan organization dedicated to the achievement of high-quality, affordable health and long-term care for all Americans.
Information Available: Health policy reports describing the problems facing health care consumers and outlining steps to solve them; a consumer clearinghouse for information about prescription drugs.


Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation
www.kff.org/rxdrugs/index.cfm

Description: The Kaiser Family Foundation, an independent philanthropy, focuses on the major health care issues of the nation. The Foundation is a source of facts and analysis for policymakers, the media, the healthcare community and the general public.
Information Available: Reports, issue briefs, fact sheets, case studies and survey results on policy issues related to prescription drugs.


National Conference of State Legislatures
www.ncsl.org/programs/health/pharm.htm

Description: Founded in 1975 as a bipartisan organization, the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) provides the nation's lawmakers and staff an open, national forum to communicate with one another and share ideas.
Information Available: Pharmaceutical information including: recent legislative activity, court rulings, meeting/forum/seminar information, reports, statistics, and comprehensive links to non-NCSL reports, research and articles. Also includes details on "best practice" state-initiated pharmaceutical programs.

MFH provides the Health Resource Directory as a resource for the community. The appearance of hyperlinks does not constitute endorsement by MFH of the linked websites, or the information, products or services contained therein.