Prescription Medication Working Group Co-Chairs Katherine Murray and Tom Werner March 14, 2007

Objectives Review Coalition Objectives for Prescription Committee Summarize Present Condition Review Success Story The Web as A Resource Tool Challenges for the Future Summary Q & A

Primary Goal “ Affordable prescription drugs for all Frederick County residents, especially for the uninsured, underinsured, and lower income populations.”

Original Coalition Goals and Status Objective 25: The Prescription Committee will clearly describe at least 9 innovative prescription programs through which Frederick County residents can purchase affordable medicine. Status – Completed Objective 26: A prescription program that will enable affordable prescription medication to all Frederick County residents has been selected. Status – Working Objective 27: Information about new and existing resources for obtaining medication will be sent to at least 75% of residents and healthcare providers. Status – Currently working on distribution

Notable Success Prescription Assistance Resource Guide Contains information on 30+ National, State, and Local programs offering assistance in obtaining affordable prescription medications. Distribution of this Resource Guide will occur soon. Resource Guide will be periodically updated. CME presentation to FMH physicians. $4 Discount Drug Lists - Online Availability Details and demonstration later in this presentation.

The Web as A Resource Tool Web Site Examples Health Department Web site ($4 Drug Links) Ideal Web Format Organizations Who Should Use Healthcare Providers, Service and Charitable Organizations, Government Agencies, Library, General Public Challenge: Utilization of Resource Guide and tools Make information available Educate on available resources Educate the community on the large benefits – A Few Examples: Many innovative Programs in the Resource Guide like the new Medbank discount program (up to 50% savings). Could make a difference now – Example#1 ** Example#2,Example#1Example#2 Web Site Online for this demonstration only ( back up ). Web Site Online back up As determined by prescribing physician, discount generic drugs, may be able to fill a part of the “time-gap”. Healthcare Providers Incorporate into Daily Discharge Routine. Send URL to Physicians and Practice Administrators. Send URL to Healthcare Coordinators, Service and Charitable Organizations, Library, and Print Media.

Challenges for the Future A Complex Maze for Obtaining Medications Present Condition Patients are discharged from offices or hospitals with a small supply to get started, and prescriptions for the longer term. Providers are often unaware of which medications are expensive and therefore may not prescribe less costly alternatives. There is a GAP of weeks to implement existing longer term programs such as Medbank, PAC, Medicaid, etc. Charitable organizations cannot afford to assist with expensive medications as they need to serve many clients with limited funds; they run out of funding in the second half of the month. This is a complicated problem with no single, simple solution.

Summary and Next Steps  Prescription Committee has had some noteworthy success specifically for Objective 25 (Resource Guide).  Continue to leverage technology.  We need additional creative, and enthusiastic people who will contribute toward our goals.

For Additional Information or to join the Prescription Committee please contact: Katherine Murray - or Tom Werner – Note: Please see posted chart for an idea of the process facing those patients who can not afford their medications. Questions?

Atypical Antipsychotics Yearly cost of typically prescribed, drugs (Seroquel, Zyprexa, etc) Traditional Antipsychotic Yearly cost of such as haloperidol (Haldol) or fluphenazine Daily DoseAnnual Cost 10 mg$80 20 mg$160 It should be noted that not all patients can tolerate or respond to the haldol type agents. ***************************** Meant to show relative differences. Exact prices may differ from one community/organization to another Credit to Marie Mackowick, Pharm. D., BCPP Director of Pharmacy Clifton T. Perkins Hospital Center Clinical Pharmacist, Univ. of MD School of Pharmacy Member Medicaid Preferred Drug Pharmacy and Therapeutics Comm. Updated 8-06 Back