Drug Aid is attempting to improve equitable access to medicine with novel approach

The Damilola Sickle Cell Foundation provides emotional support and resources to people with sickle cell anemia. The group connects with those in need via WhatsApp and provides monetary support, connections to medical attention and treatment, and support from those who understand what it’s like to have the disease. The group has about 200 people that it checks on and provides free medications to each month.

The HER-Radio program improves the availability of radiotherapy and treatment for HER2+ breast cancer by offering a deferred payment plan for the 18-cycle treatment with the drug Herceptin. The interest-free, phased payment plan makes it possible for more people to afford treatment. Per the organization’s 2021 report, patients enrolled in the program save 15% to 25% on treatment costs.

South Africa's implementation of 6MMD (six multi-month dispensing) allows stable HIV patients to collect their antiretroviral medications only twice a year instead of monthly. The program aims to reduce clinic congestion and improve patient retention and consistent medication use.

In partnership with the Ekiti State Health Insurance Scheme, the O.A. Initiative provides free basic healthcare services for people living with sickle cell anemia. The partnership currently serves over 800 people, covering the costs of care, including medicine, screenings and hospitalization, while also providing emotional and physical support.

Since 2010, the World Federation of Hemophilia has been providing patients with free treatment to reduce the financial burden of caring for someone with this condition. People living with hemophilia can access treatment whenever they need it and have indicated their condition has been improving now that they can afford care.

Germany, like the U.S., has a largely private healthcare system that relies on private doctors and private insurers. Like Americans, many Germans enroll in a health plan through work, splitting the cost with their employer. But Germany strictly limits how much patients have to pay out of their own pockets for a trip to the doctor, the hospital, or the pharmacy, making medical debt practically nonexistent.

Although offering at-home care has been a practice for some time, the coronavirus pandemic has helped prompt more health insurance companies to allow health care workers to implement the practice at a larger scale. Treating patients in their homes doesn't just reduce the caseload for doctors in hospitals but also has been shown to have positive effects on the patient's overall health and well-being. Since the change in health insurance police, "interest in the programs has skyrocketed."

The PhiferCares Clinic and pharmacy offers its employees and their families free healthcare and prescriptions. Phifer, a global manufacturing company, opened the clinic five years ago as a way to prevent medical bills from driving coworkers into debt and keeping them from retirement. This no-cost access to healthcare has helped 90% of Phifer employees hit their retirement goals, up from about 75% five years ago.

The Blueprint for Health model expands primary care access by requiring insurance providers in the state to pay additional monthly fees to cover more services for patients. Expanded services are provided by Patient-Centered Medical Homes and Community Health Teams, including nurses and counselors, at no cost to patients. Since starting in 2008, this model has helped significantly reduce medical and pharmaceutical claims.

New legislation in Colorado will implement statewide mental health screenings, expanding existing programs in schools and health centers. For example, Glenwood Springs High School has had a screening program in place since 2020. The school's health center provides care ranging from dental exams to counseling and served over 2,500 students last year.