An elderly couple was referred to our office from their doctor because they were struggling to pay for their medications. They were contemplating not taking their medications. They had Medicare Part D for their prescriptions, but they had several brand name medications with expensive co-pays that were making their monthly expenses sky rocket. Their only income was from social security.
The first thing the MediAppS caseworker did was apply for the Low Income Subsidy (LIS) through Medicare Part D. They were slightly above the requirements to be eligable for LIS and were denied. Because of this denial letter, the Caseworker was able to apply for medication assistance through the pharmaceutical company patient assistance program. They were approved for help with these medications and are able to get these medications for free now.
As a result, this couple is able to continue taking the medications they need without worrying about the cost. They have the extra dollars they would have spent on co-pays to help pay their other expenses.