Welvista Prescription Assistance Program Grows To Meet Needs Of Newly Uninsured
August 20, 2009
COLUMBIA, SC – August 19, 2009 – Welvista has served 11,728 patients in its prescription assistance program through July 31 of this year. This growth is attributed to South Carolina’s rising unemployment rate, which grew to 12.3% as of June 2009. Currently, 19.4% of South Carolinians (approximately 700,000) are medically uninsured.
With many more of our state’s residents not only out of work, but also without health insurance, patients with chronic diseases, including heart disease and diabetes, could have been forced to put their health on hold. That is why Welvista, a public-private partnership that provides prescription medications to low-income uninsured people, has increased its capacity to meet the new demand.
In the first six months of this year, Welvista has dispensed more than 70,000 prescription medications valued at more than $25 million, making its pharmacy the largest mail-order pharmacy for the uninsured in the country.
“We are pleased that our organization has been able to meet the demands to serve these newly uninsured patients with essential medications they need,” says Welvista CEO Ken Trogdon. “We are committed to improving health and wellness for the uninsured, but we could not do it without our pharmaceutical partners or the businesses and individuals who support us.”
As policymakers, the insurance industry, physicians, community leaders and pharmaceutical companies continue the public debate over healthcare reform, Welvista continues its mission, providing an innovative, affordable solution to bridge the gap in the healthcare system.
About Welvista
Welvista is an innovative model of non-governmental healthcare intervention partnering with 12 of the leading pharmaceutical companies that donate medications to serve thousands of patients. This healthcare network provides medications to the uninsured who do not qualify for Medicaid, Medicare or VA Health Benefits or private health insurance. Welvista also operates Smiles, pediatric oral healthcare programs caring for children from limited income families in rural communities throughout South Carolina who would not otherwise have access to oral healthcare. To learn more about the organization, visit www.welvista.org.
