In the Mountain West, where many rely on the University of Utah Hospital for their health care needs, filling a prescription can feel routine for some. Yet, for numerous others, the escalating costs of essential medications create dilemmas that force them to choose between life-saving treatments and basic necessities like rent, utilities, and food.
“Spending $150 on insulin is not uncommon,” says Christopher Hansen, PharmD, an outpatient pharmacy manager at University of Utah Health. This situation often leaves patients facing dire decisions: to afford medication or to cover monthly living expenses.
In Utah, where one in three residents relies on insulin to survive, the cost of multiple vials per month is staggering. In response to this crisis, Utah passed a law in 2022 capping insulin copays at $30 for a 30-day supply. However, this initiative does not extend to over 275,000 residents without health insurance.
Recognizing the issue, University of Utah Health launched its Medication Support Services (MSS) program in 2018 after pharmacists observed a troubling trend of uninsured patients leaving without prescribed medications.
The MSS program aims to ensure that all patients who cannot afford their medications receive the support they need. Initially designated for the uninsured, the program adapted its mission to include individuals struggling to afford medications despite being eligible for certain insurance plans. Hansen emphasizes that the goal of MSS is straightforward: “MSS ensures they have access to necessary treatments.”
The operational framework of MSS is designed for swift action. When patients express financial concerns regarding their medications to their providers or pharmacists, they can gain immediate entry into the program, often within mere minutes. Additionally, pharmacy technicians extend their services beyond regular hours to assist patients visiting on weekends, striving to make sure that no one is overlooked.
For those who may not communicate their needs at the hospital, MSS offers an over-the-phone screening process. Rural patients who cannot access a U of U Health pharmacy can utilize mail pharmacy services, which help widen the program’s outreach. Enrollment lasts for up to six months, allowing patients to receive 30-day supplies of their medications. Patients needing continued assistance after the initial period can reapply for support.
Although the MSS program does exclude controlled substances and high-cost specialty drugs, its list of covered medications continues to expand. Notably, the program also encompasses some over-the-counter items such as Tylenol and ibuprofen, which can provide respite for parents coping with a sick child.
Moreover, MSS covers a variety of vital medications, including those for asthma, diabetes, and hypertension. The broadened scope of covered drugs is a crucial step in ensuring that individuals have access to the treatments they require, particularly for chronic illnesses.
In a progressive move, U of U Health is extending its MSS to include mental health medications. The newly inaugurated Kem and Carolyn Gardner Mental Health Crisis Care Center at Huntsman Mental Health Institute, set to open in March 2025, is poised to offer immediate support for mental health crises and addiction recovery.
Eligible patients will receive free prescriptions for medications that target conditions such as anxiety and depression, marking a significant recognition of mental health’s importance within the wider health care system.
As Anthony May, PharmD, MBA, pharmacy director at U of U Health, states, “For patients who have stopped taking their meds for a while or are arriving in crisis, MSS provides a barrier-free way for them to get back on medications.” Many of these medications, while typically routine, can become inaccessible if they are priced beyond reach.
Funded by the 340B Drug Pricing Program, the MSS program represents a vital initiative wherein U of U Health reinvests savings to facilitate patient access to necessary medications. Beyond the financial implications, the services provided by MSS reaffirm the intrinsic value of community health.
For those individuals who can now pick up their prescriptions from the pharmacy without fear of financial burden, the impact of Medication Support Services resonates deeply, representing not just medication access but a fundamental affirmation of human dignity.
image source from：uofuhealth
