The prescription drug safety net: access to pharmaceuticals for the uninsured The prescription drug safety net: access to pharmaceuticals for the uninsured

Collection: Health Policy and Services Research Series Title(s): NHPF background paper Contributor(s): Hoadley, Jack. George Washington University. National Health Policy Forum. Publication: Washington, D.C. : George Washington University, [2007] Language(s): English Format: Text Subject(s): Health Services Accessibility Medical Assistance Pharmaceutical Services Uncompensated Care United States United States. Health Resources and Services Administration Genre(s): Technical Report Abstract: This background paper provides an overview of organized programs that provide access to prescription drug products for uninsured persons, with an emphasis on manufacturer-sponsored pharmacy assistance programs (PAPs) and the federal 340B drug pricing program. It summarizes the chief characteristics of these programs and reviews concerns regarding the reach and efficiency of these efforts. The paper begins with a brief examination of the number of people who lack insurance coverage for prescription drugs and discusses the influence of this gap in coverage on health status. The paper also describes informal mechanisms providers frequently use to help uninsured patients fill their prescriptions, such as sample dispensing. The paper briefly explores the impact of Medicare Part D on both manufacturer-sponsored PAPs and state pharmacy assistance programs that have not traditionally focused on the under-65 uninsured population. Copyright: The National Library of Medicine believes this item to be in the public domain. (More information) Extent: 32 leaves Illustrations: Illustrations NLM Unique ID: 101317982 (See catalog record) Permanent Link: http://resource.nlm.nih.gov/101317982