MedAssist Program Expands To Cover All Medications For Diabetes Care

PAlO ALTO, CA — To help combat high prescription drug costs, all medications to treat diabetes are being added to the County’s MedAssist Program, Santa Clara County Office of Communications and Public Affairs announced in a Sept. 21 news release.

“People suffering from chronic diseases have a particularly difficult time, not only because of their health condition, but because of the rising cost of their medications,” the news release said. “Some individuals may miss taking medications to make ends meet. These vital medications can be the difference between life and death for disorders like diabetes, asthma, and severe allergies, and now more residents of Santa Clara County can get their medications for no or lower costs through the MedAssist Program.”

Approximately 119,000 adults have diabetes in Santa Clara County, with nearly 29 percent of them taking insulin, according to estimates from The American Diabetes Association. Now with the inclusion of all medications for the treatment of diabetes, even more Santa Clara County residents, including those in Palo Alto, may be eligible for this program, the county said.

“Any eligible resident can receive financial support, including people who fill their prescriptions at private pharmacies like CVS or Walgreens,” the release said.

Applicants do not have to be Santa Clara Valley Healthcare patients.

“Life-saving drugs cost too much. Unfortunately, too many folks don’t qualify for available subsidies, and end up paying an arm and a leg for their medication,” County Supervisor Joe Simitian, who serves as chair of the Health and Hospital Committee, said. “MedAssist can help by cutting the high cost of co-pays. I encourage people to apply. Our goal here is to keep you well and cut your costs.”

Santa Clara Medical Center Director of Pharmacy Services Nari Singh said that Med Assist can now help anyone with diabetes stay on their medication.

“With financial support, they can get the medications they need and improve,” he said. “People who live in Santa Clara County should take advantage of the MedAssist program.”

The eligibility criteria for MedAssist Programs includes being age 18 or older, being a resident of Santa Clara County and having a valid prescription for an asthma inhaler, diabetes medications, or epinephrine auto-injector. Those interested in the program also will need to meet household out-of-pocket healthcare spending and annual gross household income requirements.

To apply for MedAssisit, which provides eligible residents with a monthly grant to assist in paying for their life-saving medications, visit them online.

Paper applications can be downloaded and submitted it to any SCVMC pharmacy locations.

Once accepted, participants receive a monthly check to assist in payment for these medications, the county said.

For more information call 408-970-2001.