Frequently Asked Questions
What is Rx Partnership (RxP) and how does it work?
- RxP is a public/private partnership; a nonprofit and tax-exempt organization that helps connect free clinics and community health centers in Virginia with free bulk prescription medication from six pharmaceutical manufacturers.
- RxP does this by acting as a “broker,” accessing free bulk medication through pharmaceutical partner’s patient assistance programs and then arranging for its distribution directly to participating free clinics and community health center’s pharmacies, where it can then be dispensed to low-income, uninsured patients. Most important, the medications get to patients free and without a wait.
Why was RxP started?
- RxP was started in 2002 by the Virginia Health Care Foundation and Medical Society of Virginia Foundation with input from the Joint Commission on Health Care. It was created to meet the growing prescription medication needs of thousands of uninsured Virginians who are unable to afford medication that is vital to their health and quality of life.
- Developed as a new model to promote improved access to prescription medications for the uninsured; a model that improves upon existing individual indigent patient assistance programs in order to more efficiently access free medication for thousands of Virginians who desperately need it.
How is RxP’s model different from other free prescription programs?
- When RxP was first created, founding Board members researched numerous state-wide bulk medication programs operating throughout the nation, including central fill and warehouse models. These systems involve operating a warehouse or other entity that receives, stores and ships medication, which can involve significant start-up and capital costs.
- Rx Partnership is innovative in the nation because it is the only bulk medication model that uses what can be most simply described as a broker system. In this innovative model, an independent third party is created to serve as a broker between pharmaceutical manufacturers and existing free clinics and community health centers in Virginia, providing a low-cost solution that significantly leverages limited resources. Through RxP, free clinics and community health centers are able to save hundreds of thousands of dollars and get free medication shipped to them in bulk where it is immediately available to be dispensed to those patients who need it most.
Who benefits from RxP medications?
- RxP medications benefit the low-income, uninsured.
- The vast majority are working adults who cannot afford the high cost of health care. In fact, according to the Kaiser Commission on Medicaid and the Uninsured, more than two-thirds (69%) of uninsured people work full-time or come from families in which at least one person works full-time.
- According to the Virginia Health Care Foundation, Virginia's uninsured represent diverse ethnic and racial backgrounds: 49% are white, 25% are African-American, 19% are Hispanic, and 7% classified themselves as "other.”
Which free clinics and community health centers participate?
- There are currently 21 Affiliate free clinics and community health centers throughout Virginia that are participating in Rx Partnership. As required, they all have licensed pharmacies associated with their facility. See Participating Affiliates for more information.
Can I still participate even if my clinic doesn’t have a licensed pharmacy?
- To become an RxP Affiliate, a clinic must have an associated, licensed pharmacy. If not, it is possible to explore other options for participation that might include an existing RxP Affiliate serving as a “central fill” – Contact RxP for more information.
How can my clinic become an Affiliate?
- To become an RxP Affiliate, a clinic or community health center must complete the RxP Application Form and Attestation Form; provide supporting documents regarding eligibility screening and pharmacy operations as listed on the Application Form; and pay a one-time application fee of $250.
- See Becoming an Affiliate for more information
Who is eligible to receive RxP medication?
- Individuals access RxP medication ONLY through Affiliate free clinics and community health centers and must meet the eligibility and income criteria established by that facility.
- Qualified individuals must be:
- Virginia residents;
- Without health insurance and/or prescription drug coverage; and
- Have a family household income at or below 200% of the Federal Property Level (income documentation must be provided prior to medication being dispensed).
200% Federal Poverty Level Guidelines – 2009
Persons in Family or Household |
You must make less than: |
1 |
$21,660 |
2 |
29,140 |
3 |
36,620 |
4 |
44,100 |
5 |
51,580 |
6 |
59,060 |
7 |
66,540 |
8 |
74,020 |
How does RxP ensure that only these eligible people receive medication?
- RxP requires that all participating free clinics and community health centers use eligibility and screening forms and gather financial documentation in order to ensure that RxP medication is only dispensed to those patients meeting the eligibility requirements outlined above. This is monitored through an initial credentialing visit of the clinic and subsequent annual audits to ensure continued compliance.
What medications are available through RxP?
- Rx Partnership offers over 86 name-brand medications in 247 dosage strengths through the generosity of our six participating pharmaceutical partners – GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), Merck & Co., Novartis, Abbott, Alcon Laboratories, Inc and Sanofi-aventis U.S.
- Medications treat a variety of acute and chronic illnesses including: diabetes, asthma, glaucoma, hypertension, allergies and depression among others. A complete list of medications offered can be found here.
Who else is involved?
- RxP operates with the support and partnership of the Virginia state government, 21 Affiliate free clinics and community health centers, six pharmaceutical manufacturers, and numerous foundations, corporations and individuals working to access quality health care for the uninsured. See Contributing Partners for more information.
How can I get involved?
- As a nonprofit organization, RxP relies on the time and talent of many individuals – from volunteer board and committee members to individuals donating their services in the areas of marketing, public relations, fund development, legal assistance and more. Please contact RxP for more information and to get involved.