During a routine medical outreach, a provider met with “John”, an older adult and very ill man at a warming center. John’s health was in crisis. With untreated diabetes, severe mental illness, and other life-threatening conditions, his situation was dire. Without insurance or income, John could not afford his insulin, at a cost of $300 per month – impossible for someone in his circumstances.
Recognizing the urgency, the provider consulted with a collaborative visit pharmacist. Together they identified an alternative medication and leveraged the 340B Program, reducing John’s copay to $0. Thanks to programs like 340B and integrated care, John now has access to the lifesaving medication he needs.
While federally qualified health centers are often perceived as well-funded, the reality is very different. Rising primary care costs, a shrinking workforce, and limited resources make programs like 340B essential. These funds allow us to support expert-level care with collaborative visits. Without 340B, the ability of organizations like ours to deliver this level of care would be significantly jeopardized.