APPLY FOR FREE PRESCRIPTION DRUGS THROUGH THE PHARMACY OUTREACH PROGRAM

Too often, senior citizens and many others agonize over being able to afford much needed prescription drugs for themselves and their loved ones. The state has covered some income eligible senior citizens through the Senior Pharmacy Program but other seniors fall through the cracks either because they miss the enrollment period or they have assets which make them ineligible despite a poverty line income. Then, there are thousands of people, such as a local 23-year-old man stricken with cancer and working at a job with no health insurance whose parents were struggling to pay for the thousands of dollars in medicines he needed monthly just to survive.

Relief may be available through a little known program that helps individuals obtain prescription drugs for free or at a nominal cost. It takes some effort to apply but the opportunity to obtain otherwise unaffordable medication makes the effort worthwhile. Here’s the deal - most major pharmaceutical companies participate in a program subsidized by federal tax credits, whereby they provide free prescription drugs to income-eligible individuals; and, unlike other programs, the individual's assets are not a factor in determining eligibility. In our state, the Program is known as the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (MCPHS) Education and Resource Center Pharmacy Outreach Program or simply the
"Pharmacy Outreach Program."

The "Pharmacy Outreach Program" is a prescription support program under the auspices of the Executive Office of Elder Affairs. The Program is geared to help qualifying individuals of all ages find free or low cost prescription drugs. While not every medication is available through the Program, most commonly used prescriptions are readily available! Getting help is easy! Simply call the “MassMedLine” toll free at 1-866-633-1617 or direct dial at (508) 373-0031 (Individuals who require TTY services should call Mass Relay at 711 and ask the operator to dial the toll free number for them). Translators are available at no cost.

Remember, there are no asset limitations but there are income eligibility guidelines so when you call, you should be prepared to give your financial information including the amount and source of your monthly income and expenses. Trained support personnel, including licensed pharmacists, will answer your questions and refer you to the right program. The line is secure and all information is strictly confidential. There are forms to fill out but the support staff will help you and, if need be, a pharmacist will consult with your doctor about possible drug interactions and other concerns.

Efforts are underway to make the Program even easier to use. Hopefully, an agreement will soon be reached on a universal application form that will be accepted by all participating pharmaceutical companies, thus simplifying the application process. Officials are also looking to work with local senior centers and SHINE representatives so forms and assistance will be available closer to home. For those who like to work with computers, you may access the Program by e-mailing massmedline@mcp.edu.

Be mindful that the process, from start to finish, will take an estimated six weeks and the more complete the information you provide, the more efficiently your application will be handled. Initially, you may only be able to get a three-month supply and, then, will have to resubmit your application. Taxpayers support these Programs through tax credits voted by Congress and people in need should reap the benefits. Pharmaceutical companies will continue to Participate in the Program so long as they benefit from the tax credits and there is no indication Congress will abolish these credits any time soon.

As always, please do not hesitate to contact my office should you need assistance. Stay well and stay in touch!

Gale D. Candaras
State Representative – 12th Hampden District