Senior Care Initiative

In May of 2006, Medicare implemented its Part D program for seniors to receive help with prescription drugs.  Once Part D came into effect, the pharmaceutical industry stopped providing free medications for seniors through their Patient Assistance Program (PAP).  However, by the fall 2007 the pharmaceutical companies realized that there were many seniors still left in need of assistance even with the Part D benefit. Therefore, a few companies now allow seniors within 200% of the federal poverty guidelines and seniors that have reached a gap in their Part D coverage, known as the “doughnut hole” to participate in PAP programs.

The Senior Care Initiative also provides medication management by a licensed pharmacist. A trained pharmacist will provide consultation on drug to drug interactions and adverse side effects to the senior adult. Seniors also have the help of a NC MedAssist social worker and pharmacist to choose the Medicare Part D plan that best suits their needs when benefits start over at the first of the year.  There are so many different plans to choose from, it can be confusing and overwhelming, but NC MedAssist provides this free consulation service to seniors regardless of income levels.