Under the Same Sky featuring Tamala Risher
In this episode, Tamala Risher, a patient assistance coordinator and advocate, shares how she helps individuals access resources that reduce or eliminate medication costs.
Addressing Medication Accessibility and Affordability
The rising cost of prescription medications is a growing concern for many individuals, particularly those with chronic illnesses or life-threatening conditions. Despite remarkable medical advancements that provide better treatment options and improve quality of life, affordability remains a major barrier. In a recent Under the Same Sky episode, Abner met with Tamala Risher, a patient assistance coordinator and advocate, to discuss the financial struggles individuals face when it comes to accessing their prescriptions and the resources available to help them.
The Cost of Medication: A Silent Crisis
Many people assume that if they have health insurance — whether through their employer, Medicare, or Medicaid — they will be able to afford their prescribed medications. However, this is not always the case. Tamala highlighted a growing issue where even individuals with commercial insurance are struggling to cover their medication costs. Some people resort to rationing their medication, taking smaller doses or skipping days to make their prescriptions last longer. While this might seem like a practical solution, it can lead to serious health risks, decreased medication efficacy, and worsening conditions. Tamala explained that medication affordability is a social need just as critical as food security, housing, and transportation. People should not have to choose between paying for their prescriptions and covering basic living expenses like rent and groceries. Yet, for many, this is a daily reality.
Available Resources for Individuals in Need
Tamala’s passion for advocacy started early in her career as a pharmacy technician. She saw firsthand how patients struggled to afford life-saving medications, leading her to explore assistance programs at UCLA. She quickly learned that many resources exist, but they aren’t well known or broadly advertised. During the conversation, Tamala shared various assistance programs that people can access if they are struggling to afford their prescriptions:
- Manufacturer Assistance Programs: Many pharmaceutical companies offer free medication programs or copay assistance for eligible individuals. These programs are not widely advertised, so patients need to ask their doctor or pharmacist about them. NeedyMeds has copay card information and manufacturer applications to help you bring down costs.
- Copay Cards: For individuals with commercial insurance, many brand-name medications offer copay savings cards that significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs — sometimes bringing copays down to zero. GoodRx is a good resource with discount cards for generic medication.
- Third-Party Foundations and Grants: Organizations provide financial aid to help cover medication costs, particularly for those with Medicare coverage. A great resource for finding grants is FundFinder, where people can search by their diagnosis and find available financial assistance.
- Doctor’s Office Assistance: Many doctors' offices have samples or vouchers to help their patients get started on a medication while they explore financial assistance options. People should always ask their doctor if samples are available before deciding to stop taking a medication due to cost.
- Mark Cuban's Cost Plus Drug Company: This online pharmacy offers lower-cost medications by cutting out middlemen in the distribution process, providing direct savings to consumers.
The Importance of Speaking Up
A major theme of the conversation was the importance of asking for help. Many people don’t know about these programs simply because they don’t ask, and in some cases, pharmacists and healthcare providers may not proactively offer assistance unless someone brings it up. Tamala emphasized that no one should feel ashamed or embarrassed about needing financial help for medications. Healthcare providers, patient advocates, and assistance programs exist to ensure that individuals can receive the care they need without financial hardship. Tamala’s work and experiences serve as a powerful reminder that medication should be accessible to everyone, not just those who can afford it. People should never have to make the heartbreaking decision between paying for life-saving medication and covering basic necessities.
For those struggling with medication costs, Tamala encourages them to reach out, ask questions, and explore every possible resource. And for those who are financially stable, she urges them to be an advocate for family, friends, and community members who may be silently struggling. A simple conversation could lead someone to the help they need to stay on their prescribed treatment plan. Assistance programs and advocacy play a crucial role in making sure no one is left behind.
