Serving Whitman County since 1877
Serving Whitman County since 1877
A new prescription assistance program has set up an office at Whitman Hospital. The Whitman Prescription Assistance Program is offered free by the Prescription Drug Assistance Foundation which began in 2005.
The foundation’s intent is to help people in need qualify for prescription drug programs offered by the pharmaceutical companies. These include the uninsured, those insured with high co-pays and people on Medicare in the “doughnut hole.”
Nurse Gwenda Hatcher manages the program at Whitman Hospital.
For each applicant, she organizes and faxes information to 45 drug companies who offer discounted rates on their drugs. If a patient is approved, the drug companies send the prescription to the patient’s doctor.
For patients with multiple prescriptions, each is a separate process.
“Really and truly, if I can get only one approved for someone, then I’m helping them,” said Hatcher.
There is also an appeal process if a person is turned down.
In order to participate, applicants must have proof of income, such as a recent tax return, the past three months’ pay stubs or an award letter from Social Security/Disability. The next requirement is to have the name, address and phone number of their healthcare provider, along with a medication list, including doses.
Individuals may begin the process by mailing in the above information or scheduling an appointment.
The mailing address is: Whitman Prescription Assistance, Whitman Hospital and Medical Center, 1200 W. Fairview, Colfax, 99111. Appointments may be made by calling 397-5703.
Hatcher will be available for walk-in appointments Jan. 24 from 8 a.m. to noon.
The Whitman Prescription Assistance office is located in Interview Room A at the hospital.
Garth Meyer is a former Whitman County Gazette reporter.
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