The Medical Society Of Virginia Foundation
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In 2003, the Medical Society of Virginia Foundation and the Virginia Health Care Foundation jointly facilitated the creation of a new 501(c)3 organization to address the improved provision of free medications for low-income Virginians without prescription insurance coverage. Known as Rx Partnership (RxP), this organization is an innovative public/private partnership charged with increasing access to free prescription medications for Virginia’s eligible uninsured.
What does RxP do?
RxP solicits free medications in bulk from pharmaceutical companies and arranges for their distribution directly to non-profit, licensed affiliate pharmacies which it credentials and monitors. These pharmacies are typically operated by free clinics and community health centers.
How does RxP assure that the free medications go to eligible patients?
To be credentialed, each affiliate must demonstrate that it utilizes a specific intake process to determine income eligibility of less than 200% of poverty level. Periodic site reviews, annual reporting, and training sessions are conducted to confirm compliance.
What are the benefits of RxP?
- More patients have access to the medicines they need.
- Patients can fill their prescriptions immediately and avoid the 6-12 week wait that is common in the Patient Assistance Programs.
- Virginia can be a leader in a novel partnership with pharmaceutical companies and clinics serving eligible uninsured patients.
- All RxP Partners will be able to garner public recognition for their important role in providing critically needed medication to Virginia’s seniors and uninsured.
Who is involved?
- Commonwealth of Virginia
- Virginia Joint Commission on Health Care
- Medical Society of Virginia Foundation
- Virginia Health Care Foundation
- Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield
- Bedford Community Health Foundation
- Bon Secours Richmond Health System
- Campbell-Hoffman Foundation
- Carilion Foundation
- Centra Health Foundation
- Eli Lilly and Company
- The Jenkins Foundation
- Mary Washington Hospital Foundation
- Medical Society of Virginia
- Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America
- Riverside Health System Foundation
- Medication Assistance Board of Directors
- Sentara Health Foundation
- Sheltering Arms Fund of the Community Foundation
- Williamsburg Community Health Foundation
Which pharmaceutical companies are participating?
- GlaxoSmithKline
- Merck and Co.
- Novartis Pharmaceuticals
- Abbott
How is RxP funded?
RxP has been designed as a public-private partnership. As such, the Virginia General Assembly has designated funding through the Joint Commission on Health Care to support RxP operation. Additional private funds come from foundations, corporations, trade associations, and affiliate fees.
"Participation in the Rx Partnership is having a major positive impact on the patients we serve. Through the Partnership we have access to medications we could not get previously; important drugs in the treatment of asthma, diabetes and infection, to name a few. Not only are we able to provide better care for the patients we serve but the door is open to assist more people in the growing number of medically uninsured and underserved."
-Suzanne Sheridan Executive Director
Rockbridge Area Free Clinic