By Shea Wright

Nine percent of Virginians ages 19 to 64 have no health insurance according to a recent report published by the Virginia Health Care Foundation. To combat this disparity, VCU Health Community Memorial Hospital’s (CMH) Pharmacy Connection program has been working to ensure that its uninsured or underinsured patients can access low-cost prescription medications.

This web-based program helps to alleviate some of the barriers to obtaining necessary prescription medications, medical supplies, and eyeglasses.

“One of the key takeaways from this program is that we are helping meet our patients where they are, by allowing us to address health disparities that exist in our rural community and ensure access to medications that will create a healthier population and improve health outcomes,” said Sheldon Barr, president of VCU Health Community Memorial Hospital.

How does Pharmacy Connection work?

The Pharmacy Connection program is administered through the CMH Foundation. It uses software of the same name provided by Rx Relief Virginia, a grant-funded program by the Virginia Health Care Foundation (VHCF) that helps uninsured or underinsured Virginians with chronic illnesses get free or low-cost medications. The program is made possible through state funding. CMH applied for and has received the grant since 2003, which offers access to information on over 7,000 medications.

The program’s coordinator, Samantha Lewis, BSW, works directly with CMH patients to streamline the application process. She helps to determine their eligibility, track refills, and manages reports, which aims to reduce wait times and ensures patients receive the medications they need to maintain their health.

“Most patients get the medications at a reduced rate or at no cost to them for up to one year, said Lewis. “Many of the major classes of drug medication are included, covering common diseases like diabetes, hypertension, clinical depression and asthma.”

One of the major challenges the program tries to address is overcoming the complexities of medical insurance coverage. In her role, Lewis works closely with several patient assistance programs to identify the most affordable options and provides personalized support.

“I am most often working on a case-by-case basis with older patients and patients with low literacy levels,” she explained. “Many of the patients I work directly with don’t understand complex medical terminology, and when I meet with them it’s the first time someone is taking the time to help them understand their medication coverage.”

Lewis is no stranger to this patient population. Prior to joining the Pharmacy Connection program, she was a social worker and bereavement coordinator in CMH’s Home Health and Hospice and helped patients and their families cope with their illness and loss, while also managing their symptoms and pain.

“I bring a lot of that empathy and working with a vulnerable population into this role. Helping people is what I enjoy doing,” Lewis said.

A commitment to helping improve access

In early 2024, CMH moved the Pharmacy Connection from the Leggett Center to the CARE building, which sits adjacent to the hospital. The change of location has allowed patients to more easily obtain these resources at the bedside of the hospital or in clinic areas before their release and/or discharge.

“The move has been impactful in that I am able to get to the patient(s) before their discharge to talk to them about their options, complete paperwork and assist with obtaining their prescription medication, while they are still on site. They are going home with one less thing to be stressed about,” Lewis said. Another added benefit is that patients can elect that their medication be delivered to their home or pickup at the hospital ensuring convenience and accessibility.

By moving Pharmacy Connection to the CARE building, Lewis has been able to help nearly twice as many patients receive their medications. Since last October, the program has served 142 patients, up from 73 patients the year prior.

The program also equips providers with the tools to prescribe cost-effective medications tailored to their patient’s needs. Miki Baird, an advanced practice registered nurse in Cardiology Services at CMH, said having a program like Pharmacy Connection is a “big deal for our community.”

“While some of the medications we are using are generic and much lower cost, evidence-based practices and ongoing medical research validate some medications over others. Unfortunately, they tend to be very expensive,” said Baird, who routinely connects her patients with Lewis. “Through Pharmacy Connection, we are able to provide essential support for a population that can’t always afford high-cost medication and improving the quality of life of our patients.”

Lewis hopes to see more growth in the program through continuing to work with providers and publicizing the program throughout the hospital. Pharmacy Connection is open to all VCU Health patients regardless of location.

“Pharmacy Connection is more than just a prescription service, it’s a lifeline for our patients,” Lewis said.

How do I know if I qualify?

Eligibility is based on household income and pharmaceutical manufacturers’ guidelines. CMH's Pharmacy Connection is administered through CMH Foundation. The number to call for more information or to schedule an appointment is (434) 447-0856.