Our Maine Street's Aroostook Issue 4 : Spring 2010 | Page 44

ACCESS For Local Patients
by Tamra Kilcollins, MSB

Did you know there is financial help available with
obtaining free or low-cost primary healthcare services
and prescription medications for residents who qualify in
Aroostook County?
Through Pines Health Services’ ACCESS and
Prescription Assistance Programs, patients who meet
income guidelines, do not have health insurance or who
are “under-insured,” with health insurance that may not
cover expenses; are eligible to participate in these two
programs.

in Caribou, Presque Isle, Limestone and Van Buren. For
more information about the ACCESS Program and to
discuss your eligibility, please call the Pines Toll-Free
number at 1-800-371-6240.

Pines Prescription Assistance Program
The Pines Prescription Assistance Program is
similar to the ACCESS Program, in that eligibility for
prescription assistance depends on income and household
size. Another factor includes whether individuals have
current prescription medication help from state programs
like Maine Care, (Medicaid). The program is generally
Pines ACCESS Program
According to Chief Executive Officer James Davis, provided for people who do not have insurance or have
Pines Health Services has been designated by the limited Medicare D coverage. And, unlike the ACCESS
federal government as a Federally Qualified Health Program, individuals do not have to be a Pines Health
Services patient to participate.
Center, or FQHC facility. This
“We want to make sure that patients
According to Vicki Flannery,
designation has been awarded to
don’t neglect their medical care
one of three Pines Prescription
many healthcare facilities across
simply because of the expense.”
Assistance Coordinators, the
the nation, in recognition of the
program has assisted many residents
economic hardship and challenges
of providing primary care services in rural communities. in Aroostook in receiving just over two million dollars of
“We want to make sure that patients don’t neglect free or low-cost medications since its inception in 2005.
The Prescription Assistance Program is provided free
their medical care simply because of the expense,” Davis
explained. “It’s so important that people have access to to qualified participants, however, some pharmaceutical
routine medical care including annual physicals and companies do require payment for certain medicines.
preventive care, and that individuals with chronic illness Once enrolled and participating in the program, your
such as diabetes get the medical care they need. With prescription medications are usually filled in three-month
our FQHC status, Pines was able to begin providing the intervals for one year and are shipped directly from the
ACCESS Program, allowing us to assess an individual’s drug manufacturer to your physician’s office. Participants
ability to pay for those needed healthcare services, and are required to re-apply for the program annually.
“Many of our patients have chronic health issues;
for those who qualify, provide that care at reduced fees or
including diabetes and heart disease,” Flannery explained,
even free of charge,” he said.
The Pines ACCESS Program offers primary and “and for them, the Prescription Assistance program is
preventative healthcare to uninsured or under-insured truly a life saver.” “Pharmaceutical companies recognize
people of all ages who qualify, regardless of their ability that many people can’t afford their needed prescription
to pay. Any charges for services are based on a “sliding medicines. It’s our job to work with them so their
fee scale” of the patient’s household income and family products are available to help all patients in our area who
size. For example, a family of four earning $41,895 need them.”
The Prescription Assistance Program is available at all
or less, (well above the federal poverty level guideline
of $22,050), may qualify for a 100% write-off of their Pines Health Services locations. For more information
please call any of the three Prescription Assistance
healthcare costs at Pines.
According to Davis, individuals qualify to participate Coordinators; Vicki F [