[DHS-News] Vol. 4, No. 30, Special: Prescription drug resources

[WHITEHOUSE Gary]

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dhs-news
March 10, 2003
Volume 4, Issue 30
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SPECIAL ISSUE: Prescription drug help available

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As you probably know by now, the Legislature has provided funds to restore
prescription drug coverage to some Oregon Health Plan and Medically Needy
clients. 

But not everybody who has lost prescription drug coverage is covered by the
restored funding. And it could be another week or more before the programs are
up and running.

There is help available for people who have lost their benefits, and for those
who are "between" programs but need medication soon.

The DHS Web site has a list of programs that can provide free or reduced-cost
prescription drugs to the needy, elderly, etc. See this list at:
http://www.dhs.state.or.us/healthplan/rxsites.html

The Governor's Advocacy Office (GAO) can also help. The GAO particularly wants
to hear from people or advocates for people who:

-- Have applied for free or reduced-cost medications but have not yet been
approved or received their drugs 

-- Are mental health patients who have lost their prescription drug benefits

-- Are HIV/AIDS or transplant patients whose benefits have been restored, but
who need drugs until the program is up and running again.

The GAO cannot provide money or benefits for these persons, but may be able to
find resources for them from other sources.

Priority will be given to people who need medications immediately or will face
serious consequences: people with seizure disorders, people with HIV/AIDS,
people who need anti-rejection drugs because of transplants, and people with
debilitating mental illness.

The GAO's number is (1-800) 442-5238, or (503) 945-6904 in the Salem area. 

More about the GAO is on the DHS Web site:
http://www.dhs.state.or.us/aboutdhs/gao.html
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