Transcript Document
Community-Based Case Study: MEDNET © A Collaborative Approach to Prescription Drug Access Presented to National Congress on the Uninsured by Elizabeth Rugg, Executive Director, The Health Councils, Inc. Karen van Caulil, Executive Director, Health Council of East Central Florida, Inc. Steve Lesky, Regional Vice President, Allegany Franciscan Ministries Chronically Ill Adults Prescription Drug Access MEDNET© Bridges Gap Between Prescription Drug Needs and Prescription Drug Access Origin: 2003 Health Systems Plan Collaborative community health planning process Engaged multi-tiered approach to identify health needs Step 1: Data Analysis Step Step Step Step Population Demographics Mortality/Morbidity Indicators Health Care Access (Resource Analysis) Health Care Coverage Options 2: Community Survey (web-based & in-person) 3: Focus Group Discussions 4: Issue Summary & Priorities 5: Action Planning Finding: Aging population will increase need for care Adult Population, 2000 Age Composition of Seniors, 2000 Number Percent Number Percent 0 - 14 147,814 16.0% 65 - 74 96,537 10.5% 15 - 24 88,816 9.6% > 75 111,026 12.0% 25 - 44 251,954 27.3% 45 - 64 225,335 24.5% > 65 207,563 22.5% Source: 2003 Health Systems Plan Growth in Seniors & Near-Seniors, 2000-2020 45 – 64 > 65 2000 225,335 207,563 2020 294,697 281,390 % Growth 31.0% 36.3% Finding: Income will limit access to care Uninsured Non-Elderly, 2000 Household Income, 2000 < 65 675,452 Pinellas Florida # Uninsured 91,999 $33,765 $37,307 % Uninsured 13.6% Commercial Premium Costs, 1996-2001 Premium Cost Per Enrollee 2500 2000 1932 1553 1500 1202 1297 1680 1379 1000 61% Increase 1996-2001 500 0 Source: 2003 Health Systems Plan 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 Finding: Lack of care will increase cost of care Health Care Expenditures - 1992 – 2001 (Florida) 90000 80000 77341 71010 In $ Millions 70000 60000 50000 40000 30000 45055 72% increase 1992-2001 Personal Health Care 20000 14000 10000 12000 0 2000 2001 Medicinal Drugs In $ Millions 1992 11459 10156 10000 8000 6000 4000 4683 145% increase 1992-2001 2000 0 Source: 2003 Health Systems Plan 1992 2000 2001 Greatest Health System Impact: Medication Access • • #1 Health Issue in Pinellas County Circle of Influence • 45% - Issue to Self or Family • 85% - Issue to Entire Community • Barriers to Prescription Drug Access include: • Lack of Health Coverage for Prescription Drugs • Cost of Prescription Drugs • Lack of Awareness about Alternate Resources for Prescription Drug Access Source: 2003 Health Systems Plan (Pinellas County) Community Solution: MEDNET© Four Essential Program Components: • Patient Advocates – deployed strategically throughout community to work one-on-one with chronically ill adults, either in a clinic setting or at a one-stop service center • Program Software – web-based data system to coordinate client intake, forms processing, and service delivery • Pharmacy Vouchers – short-term support to at-risk clients accessing free long-term use through MedNet • Health Literacy – to teach frontline care givers and able-bodied adults to access free medications on their own Patient Advocates (MedNet Navigators) Receive referrals from local physicians and clinics Record prescription drug needs Determine eligibility for free use of prescription drugs from pharmaceutical manufacturers Download and complete application forms – request vouchers, if appropriate Coordinate provider relations Initiate refill requests Advocate for patient needs to expedite medication receipt Confirm receipt of free medications Program Locations Free Clinic FQHC Sliding Fee Residency Clinic Public Health Department Local Hospital Community Organization 8 FTE Total Site Options, Program Needs & Cost Factors Site Options & Program Needs Staffed Site advocate OR volunteer coordinator) • 1 FTE Patient Advocate Volunteer Site • 3-5 reliable volunteers • 1 FTE Volunteer Coordinator Both Site Types Need: • • • • • • Office Space Computer w/Internet Access Printer, Copier & Fax Machine Postage Office Supplies Locally-developed or commercially-produced client enrollment & services tracking database Cost & Other Factors Salary & Fringe (1FTE Need to: • develop & maintain client enrollment & services tracking database OR • subscribe to commercial product Community Consensus: A Critical Success Factor Prioritize chronic disease concerns • Reason: Establish eligibility criteria for pharmacy voucher component (30 day supply of medications) Establish program policies • Reason: Establish consistent program practices across multiple partner sites; e.g., policy requiring validation of secured medication against patient chart, etc. Create targeted referral system • Reason: Respond to specific health care needs; e.g., access to mental health medications Develop patient advocate training program • Reason: Create well-educated network of community-based patient advocates Review client enrollment & service utilization • Reason: Recognize emerging trends, assess community return on investment, and establish best practices What to Expect: Return on Investment MEDICATIONS BY DRUG CLASS 1 Site 1st 9 Months of Operation % OF ALL Arthritis $2,732.12 0.7% Asthma/Allergy/Lung $46,498.46 13.0% Diabetes/Endocrine $46,414.21 10.7% Gastro-Intestinal $22,670.45 9.4% Heart, Cholesterol & Stroke $124,621.58 25.1% Mental Health $121,742.26 19.0% Migraine/Other Pain $11,122.92 6.1% Other, Including Seizure $19,226.09 16.0% $395,028.10 $10 : $1 TOTAL MEDICATIONS (9-Month Return) Program Evaluation Reviewed MedNet database to identify potential data points for study Qualitative analysis – observation, interviews Convened evaluation team meetings to discuss implementation, outreach and processing efforts and challenges, lessons learned and “best practice” differences between clinic and community based sites Developing client satisfaction survey instrument and process Continuing to review/analyze outcome data differences between program sites Outcomes High level of satisfaction by program staff with MedNet software and technical support General Finding: Clinic sites have an easier time securing needed paperwork from MDs; however, community sites achieve a strong return to the community Major Strength: Ability to share “hot tips” and network best practices across program sites Next Steps… Measure impact of MedNet on clinical health outcomes to determine: • Does MedNet reduce the incidence and impact of “avoidable admissions” to local hospitals? • Has MedNet reduced the cost of managing chronic disease for low-income residents? Program Design Elizabeth Rugg, Executive Director 727-217-7070 [email protected] Program Evaluation Karen van Caulil, Executive Director Health Council of East Central Florida, Inc. 407-493-6808 [email protected] Program Funding Steve Lesky, Regional Vice President Allegany Franciscan Ministries 727-741-2744 [email protected]