In a move aimed at combating the escalating burden of healthcare costs for families, Santa Clara County's MedAssist program has broadened its eligibility criteria, opening its doors to a wider range of residents in need. According to a recent news release by the County of Santa Clara, the first-of-its-kind initiative now includes residents of all ages and raises the income cap to qualify for financial assistance, providing coverage for individuals making up to $138,364 a year and families of four earning $284,700.
Eligible residents benefiting from this program receive a monthly grant designed to alleviate the financial strain of their essential medications. The program supports life-saving prescriptions ranging from asthma inhalers to diabetes medications and epinephrine auto-injectors (EpiPens). To meet eligibility requirements, residents need to live in Santa Clara County, have a valid prescription for approved medications, and meet specific out-of-pocket healthcare spending and household income requirements.
Joe Simitian, Santa Clara County Supervisor and Chair of the County's Health and Hospital Committee, emphasized the simplicity and accessibility of MedAssist as a financial reprieve for families in need. "This is a simple and easy-to-access program that provides financial relief to Santa Clara County families who are faced with difficult household decisions as a result of high medical costs," he said. Over 1,000 families have already enrolled in the program, and Simitian expressed a desire to quickly double that number.
Applying for MedAssist relief is as easy as visiting the program's website at getmedassist.com or submitting a paper application at any SCVMC pharmacy location. The program's support and information are available in multiple languages, ensuring inclusivity and assistance for the diverse population of Santa Clara County.
County of Santa Clara Supervisor Otto Lee highlighted the speed and user-friendly design of the application process, noting that "applicants will receive a monthly check to help with bills after a simple application process guided by our staff."
Narinder Singh, Director of Pharmacy Services for Santa Clara Valley Healthcare, underlined the significance of this financial assistance within the community. "We know out-of-pocket pharmacy expenses can be a tremendous financial burden, and this is a wonderful way for the public to realize real savings. The program encourages people to take their life-saving medications as prescribed by their doctor,” Singh said.
The MedAssist program continues its evolution, recently celebrating the milestone of enrolling over 1,000 grantees in June. To support the program's ongoing growth and foster trust and approachability, MedAssist has unveiled a refreshed brand and logo. Incorporating public input gathered from surveys of the general population and current grantees, the new branding acknowledges healthcare access and affordability as critical public health issues for many residents throughout the county.
