Since 2006, Philadelphia Health Corps members have served in Philadelphia District Health Centers to help uninsured patients gain access to medications through drug company prescription assistance programs. The program started with two members in 2006, and has been so successful that there are now sixteen members serving in eight city health centers. Over the past six years, this program has helped 12,646 patients gain free access to medications. Health Corps has saved the City of Philadelphia $8.5 million, which the city otherwise would have paid to subsidize the cost of these medications. Philadelphia Health Corps members have helped ensure that hundreds of patients have access to critical medications they need to manage chronic illnesses such as diabetes, heart disease and hypertension. This collaboration between the Philadelphia Health Corps and the City of Philadelphia is an innovative approach to the challenge of helping uninsured people get the care they need and also helps to make the city’s health care safety net more efficient and effective. The City of Philadelphia’s network of eight health centers provide comprehensive primary care to over 80,000 people each year, 57% of whom have no health insurance. When uninsured people become patients at the city health centers, the city takes on the responsibility of subsidizing their care, including their prescription medications. Without Philadelphia Health Corps members helping patients to navigate through the complicated system of prescription assistance programs, it would be very difficult for the city to afford this tremendous cost burden, and patients would go without needed medications. For members, this program is a great way to learn about the healthcare system, where many of them hope to have future careers as physicians and other kinds of providers. One Health Corps member had this to say about his service:

“I have seen our patients carry on with dignity and strength despite very hard circumstances. A large number of our patients are unemployed due to the changes in the economy and the lack of work available. They have been dropped from insurance, and are doing what they can to make ends meet for their families …. Public health clinics provide a great service, but the medications prescribed can sometimes simply be unaffordable out of pocket. The pharmaceutical companies’ patient assistance programs sometimes offer the only means for our patients to receive their needed medication. It can be challenging work ….the whole process can be very bureaucratic. The end result, however, is worth it. Patients can stay in good health and can remain healthy as they move forward in their lives towards more promising times.”

The Philadelphia Health Corps is an operating site of the National Health Corps, an AmeriCorps National Direct program. The National Health Corps aims to develop new health care professionals, increase access to health care for underserved communities, promote prevention efforts, and reduce health care costs through member service in community based public health organizations in five cities (Philadelphia, Chicago, Pittsburgh, Jacksonville and Atlanta).