Indigent program available for the uninsured through 340B program

The newly-opened PHI Pharmacy in Kagman. (Contributed photo)

The Kagman Community Health Center, in partnership with Pacific Health Inc., which runs PHI Pharmacy, has announced that they can now take care of the indigent community’s prescription needs under the 340B program, the first available for an outpatient clinic setting in the CNMI.

Established under Section 340B of the Public Health Service Act, the 340B program requires pharmaceutical manufacturers participating in government programs to sell drugs at discounted prices to federally qualified health centers such as KCHC that care for many low-income and uninsured patients in rural communities.

How does this program work?

A very important aspect of this program is that it does not require any grants, money from the government, or taxpayer dollars. The program funds itself through prescriptions filled by insured patients at any of the contract pharmacies. The savings that are accumulated by this program get redistributed to cover prescriptions for the indigent and uninsured patients.

How can you contribute to our uninsured family and friends?

If you have insurance, including Medicaid, when you see a provider at the Kagman clinic and fill those prescriptions at any of the contract pharmacies, the savings from your prescriptions will help to fund those who do not have insurance.

How can this program help me?

If you do not currently have insurance, all you have to do is see one of our providers here at Kagman Community Health Center and we will give you one of our indigent Care Cards to take to one of our contract pharmacies. Currently, we are only contracted with PHI Pharmacy so you can fill it at either of their pharmacy locations.

This indigent program is available to all people who do not have prescription coverage. You do not need to live in Kagman to participate in this program. This program pays for many expensive brand name prescription medications.

New Kagman Pharmacy

PHI Pharmacy is pleased to announce the opening of our Kagman Pharmacy. It is located in the Kagman Commercial Building at the bottom of Kagman Road, right before you turn by Laolao Bay Golf Course. We have a licensed pharmacist available to help answer your prescription and healthcare questions. You can reach us at 256-0131 or 256-0132. We are not affected by the recent hour restrictions and are open normal hours, Monday through Friday from 8am to 6pm at both locations, Saturday and Sunday from 8am to 4pm at Dandan only. Visit us on our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/phipharmacy for latest information on sales and health information.

KCHC is a federally qualified health center that serves all patients regardless of inability to pay. To make an appointment to be seen or to get information, call 256-KCHC (5242). (PR)