Prescription Drug Assistance Program

Juanita Thorne-Connerty, Program Manager, 505-476-4787

Click on the link above to email Ms. Thorne-Connerty

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This Program seeks to ensure that seniors and adults with disabilities obtain the medications they need at costs they can afford. In addition to providing counseling about specific programs for citizens with low incomes and veterans, staff in this program provides information about many insurance plans, discount cards, and other options for accessing prescription drugs. Staffed largely with AmeriCorps volunteers, they administer the New Mexico MEDBANK Program that provides access to free or low co-pay brand name prescriptions directly to consumers from drug manufacturers. Beginning in 2005, state funds were made available to provide vouchers to consumers to purchase medications during the “gap” period between application for MEDBANK services and receipt of medications. In conjunction with volunteer pharmacists, staff from this Program also provides medication assessments at many senior fairs and health fairs around the state.

Objectives

• Help seniors and others needing medications find cost effective, reliable sources.

• Help low income and indigent citizens obtain free prescription drugs through pharmacy manufacturers’ patient assistance programs.

• Advise citizens about new program initiatives and impacts, including, but not limited to, Medicare Part D.

• Continue to recruit, train and mentor AmeriCorps/Vista volunteers, as available, to provide additional outreach and Resource Center services.

• Provide “brown bag assessment” programs to identify drug interactions, duplications and other medication management issues, at health fairs and other appropriate venues.

LINKS TO

RELATED PAGES

NM MEDBANK

Prescription Drug Outreach

Medicare questions?

Visit medicare.gov.

New Mexico Discount Prescription Drug Program

(NM Department of Health)