Oregon PPA Rx Testimonials

Sandra, 60, of Salem, Ore., was one of the first people to be helped by Med Assist in Salem. There, she was encouraged to apply for prescription assistance programs. The staff filled out application paperwork and sent it to Ramano's doctor. She received Nexium, Digoxin, Prempro, Celebrex, Detrol, Atenolol, Midamor and Clarinex from the programs. "These are absolutely wonderful programs," Ramano says. "There are so many people in need out there who don't know about them."

Ramano is disabled, has several health issues and can't work. Her medications cost more than her annual $8,724 Social Security disability payment. She was referred to Med Assist by her insurance, First Choice 65, at a time when she needed a hip replacement and couldn't walk. She is now enrolled in Medicare Part D, staying with her First Choice 65 plan. Ramano participated in prescription assistance programs for three to four years and had only positive experiences. "I can't say anything but the best of the best about them," Ramano says. "They've done wonders for me."

"I'm probably one of the luckiest people around," Ramano says about discovering the assistance programs. She believes the programs save the lives of many people. "Without these programs," Ramano says, "I might not be here talking to you. They've helped me so much." Since Part D kicked in after the first of January, Ramano has lost her prescription assistance.

Andi, 53, of Gresham, Ore., was first helped by prescription assistance programs four years ago and continued to receive help for three years until she qualified for Medicare Part D. She received Remeron, Fosamax and Klomopin through the programs. She's currently on a Medicare Part D Humana plan for $12.37 per month. She suffers from a mental illness, has cancer, and is currently undergoing chemotherapy treatments. Her disability prevents her from working; she receives $7,644 annually from Social Security Disability. For years, Smith also received financial help from trusted doctors and hospitals. At the time she was on prescription assistance programs, Smith had no health insurance. When she was employed, she was uninsurable, because she honestly disclosed her medical situation. Smith was able to participate in prescription assistance programs with the help of the Portland Family Practice (PFP). A PFP employee helped her with the paperwork to apply. She had no extra money that could go toward the medications she needed. "I could live simply and cover all of my bills because of prescription assistance," Smith says. "They were absolutely worth it."

"The best part of the programs was that I didn't have to worry," Smith says. "I didn't have to choose between rent, heat, food or medications." Under the programs, Smith was able to balance a budget and live within her means. "This meant living with dignity," Smith says. She says she would absolutely use the programs again if she had to.

Marie, 88, of Aumsville, Ore., has been using prescription assistance programs for five years. She receives Asthmacorte and Servent through the programs. Pohlman receives $6,336 annually from Social Security and is insured under the Medicare Part D Advantage Plan. A longtime user of assistance programs, Pohlman has had a positive experience. "They have been very reliable," she says. Pohlman has saved considerable money through the programs. Before enrolling through Med Assist in Salem, Pohlman paid $88 for each medication every month. She currently only pays $5 per prescription. With help from the staff at Med Assist, Pohlman found the application process easy. "I'm very satisfied with the programs," Pohlman says. "But I wish they would cover my vitamins!"

Gayla of Portland, Ore., connects people to prescription assistance programs at Portland Family Practice. Johnson says the programs have been "invaluable" to her clients. "It just breaks my heart," Johnson says of the circumstances that draw people to these programs. The patients who receive prescription assistance are of all ages. Many are retired, some are physically or mentally disabled and are unable to work, and others already have insurance but can't afford prescriptions. Most people find out about prescription assistance programs through their doctors. Johnson has seen some people on the programs for a couple years. Often, Johnson finds herself "bridging the gap" for patients that switched to Medicare and lost their prescription coverage. She says her clients are all very grateful for the programs. "Everyone who uses the programs really needs it and there aren't many that abuse the programs," Johnson says. "The best thing about these programs is that we keep people out of the hospital."