LGBTQ-focused health care providers Health Emergency Lifeline Programs and Corktown Health Center announced on Wednesday, Aug. 12, a new relationship with Wellpartner, the 340B program administrator of CVS Health, to expand and improve prescription drug access for its patients. The announcement was made by Corktown Health CEO Anthony Williams.
"HELP and Corktown Health Center implemented an integrated care model to help our patients achieve the best health outcomes," Williams said. "The relationship with CVS Health strengthens that model by helping providers, pharmacists and patients all work together. In addition, the large geographic footprint of CVS locations will be a convenient choice for our patients to get their prescriptions from anywhere in the country."
The Federal 340B Drug Discount Program plays an important role in ensuring that eligible health care providers that serve vulnerable populations can help qualified uninsured and underinsured patients access affordable outpatient prescription medications. As a 340B covered entity, HELP/CHC is authorized to purchase outpatient prescription drugs at discounted prices and make them available to its patients through select contracted pharmacies.
Wellpartner will deliver end-to-end 340B program administration for Corktown's CVS Health relationship to help optimize its ability to provide important, affordable health care services and prescription medications to patients. In addition, CHC aims to improve continuity of care. Doctors and clinicians will have access to tools to understand prescription adherence for their patients filling at participating pharmacies. This in turn will help them better monitor patient therapy and can help improve overall patient outcomes.
"Across our CVS Health enterprise, we are committed to helping address health disparities in the United States, and we use many aspects of our business to increase access to affordable care and prescriptions for vulnerable populations," said Kenneth Bodmer, president of Wellpartner and vice president of CVS Health. "Through our integrated and comprehensive 340B program management capabilities, we are able to help covered entities like HELP/Corktown Health.
Corktown Health Center is a health clinic created by and for Southeast Michigan's LGBTQ community and the providers who serve them. The first of its kind in Michigan, the clinic provides a range of primary care services, including integrated HIV care. The center also partners with Wayne State University and others in the medical field to train health professionals in providing LGBTQ care, conduct relevant research and develop best practices.
For more information about this change, visit corktownhealth.org.
