HSA helping patients with medication costs

(CNS): The Health Services Authority is now providing immediate onsite support to patients who are struggling to pay for medications, which the pharmacy no longer releases without cash up front. Following changes at the hospital to try and improve collections, the authority received significant criticisms during the recent Public Accounts Committee hearings for the poor management of the systems, apparent unnecessary bureaucracy and the failure to communicate with the Needs Assessment Unit to help patients in need.

But the authority said in a release Monday that it was “further enhancing its pharmacy services to ensure the most vulnerable individuals and those with chronic health conditions” were able to access their essential prescribed medications, even if they are facing financial challenges.

As well as the existing social programmes offered through the Needs Assessment Unit, the HSA said it was providing support for patients at the hospital who were struggling to pay for their medicine.

HSA CEO Lizzette Yearwood said, “While improving our collections is important, if you are having difficulty paying for your medication, we want you to contact us.” She added that the authority continuously evaluates any new policy or service introduction, using patient and public feedback and its own internal operational review processes to make any adjustments necessary to optimise service and care delivery to its valued patients.

The hospital has also opened a dedicated window at the pharmacy for CINICO members. Given the large volume of prescriptions being processed daily for this group of patients, it is anticipated that this will expedite payment and prescription processing for other patients, officials said.

For more information visit the HSA website