A patient diagnosed with oral cancer was prescribed Afinitor as studies have demonstrated its effectiveness in treating this condition. The claim, prior authorization and appeal were all denied because it was prescribed for an off-label indication. The Iowa Drug Donation Repository was able to provide a 30-day supply (valued at $13,530 AWP) to the patient’s care team. His condition improved and providers determined that he was benefiting from the treatment. A second appeal was filed with the patient’s insurance provider stating his improvement. The insurer approved the prior authorization and agreed to cover therapy for the remainder of the year.

A Medicaid patient received a $1 raise and two $250 bonuses that were paid in consecutive pay periods. As a result of the extra income for the month of July, the patient was notified that she no longer met the income guidelines for Medicaid. Her coverage would end, effective September 1, and she would be ineligible to reapply for three months. The patient was worried about how she would pay for her medications. SafeNetRx provided $1,709 of donated medications during this coverage lapse period.

A 75-year old veteran and cardiac patient missing two lobes of his lungs requires 12 prescriptions. The patient had a copay of $20 for each prescription. He is on a fixed income well below 200% of the FPL and must cover housing, utilities, food, and medication. The patient was only taking the medications he believed as essential and was unable to afford copays for all 12 prescriptions. With help from the SafeNetRx, he is now able to afford all 12 prescriptions without disruption.  Per his provider at the County Health System: “SafeNetRx has not only saved him a hospital visit, it has saved his life!” 

A retired 71-year old widow was diagnosed with respiratory failure secondary to COPD exacerbation.  The patient has a high-deductible Medicare Part D insurance plan and could not afford the inhaler that the ICU doctor prescribed.  Without prophylactic therapy, it would only be a matter of time before she suffered another life-threatening respiratory emergency. Thanks to the SafeNetRx Drug Donation Repository the patient was sent home with an inhaler free-of-charge so she could begin therapy immediately preventing re-admittance or another life-threatening episode.

A 73-year old woman was diagnosed with adenocarcinoma of the lung, which in turn metastasized to her brain and liver.  She had limited success with previous therapies so her provider wanted to try an alternative cancer medication. The copay would have been $3,057 for her first fill, then approximately $700 for future fills. Copay assistance was not available, nor did the patient’s income meet the eligibility guidelines for manufacturer assistance. With help from SafeNetRx she was able to get a 30-day supply of the needed medication. After demonstrating success with the alternative cancer medication the appeal was later approved.

A young female with bi-polar disorder was released from county jail. Prior to release, the individual was advised that she could obtain free behavioral health medications at no cost. Three days after being released she was seen at an outpatient clinic. She was in need of risperidone and was worried about her ability to effectively participate in an upcoming job interview. Through the Behavioral Health Medication Assistance Program, the individual was immediately provided a 30-day supply of medication at no cost. She stabilized her condition and was hired as a part-time Certified Nurse Assistant. 

A 68-year old, uninsured woman was hospitalized after experiencing a DVT. She required a five-day supply of enoxaparin injections but was unable to afford the medication. The cost of this treatment regime ranges from $108.45 - $803.79 for the five-day supply.  The hospital was not comfortable discharging the patient without an adequate supply of enoxaparin. The SafeNetRx Charitable Pharmacy was able to dispense the enoxaparin immediately and save the patient hundreds of dollars for the medication and a multi-night stay in the hospital.