Philadelphia Department of Public Health
Title: Prescription Assistance Program Patient Advocates
Student Interns:
Anjali Desai
Drexel University College of Medicine
Celena Fei
Drexel University College of Medicine
Kaitlyn Kaufman
Drexel University Thomas R. Kline School of Law
Vasavi Peruru
Drexel University College of Medicine
Lauren Siegel
Drexel University College of Medicine
Academic Preceptor:
Esther Chernak, MD, MPH
Drexel University College of Medicine and Dornsife School of Public Health
Community Preceptor:
Evan Kaye, MPA
Philadelphia Department of Public Health
Community Site:
The health centers of the Philadelphia Department of Public Health are strategically located to serve some of the most underserved populations throughout the city. Among their many offerings, the centers provide primary care, pharmacy services, family planning, dental care, and social and legal services. The health centers accept patients with Medicare, Medicaid, and HMO plans as well as uninsured patients.
Team’s Experience:
The Bridging the Gaps student interns worked as patient advocates for the Prescription Assistance Program (PAP) in five different health centers within the Philadelphia Department of Public Health. The PAP helps patients without insurance obtain medications for free through drug manufacturers’ programs. Interns assisted patients with the application and re-enrollment processes, notified patients when their medications arrived at the health center, and helped patients enroll in a program to access the shingles vaccine. The interns worked closely with the health centers’ providers and resource counselors to help make the process as seamless as possible for the patients.
Reflections
“As patient advocates for the Prescription Assistance Program, we provided access to essential medications for uninsured and underinsured patients. Many patients could not afford their medications without programs such as these offered at the city health centers. We found it so rewarding to help patients navigate the complexities of the healthcare system and better manage their chronic conditions. Serving as patient advocates has helped us grow inter-professionally. … We learned more about Medicare and Medicaid policies firsthand. We also saw the importance of using medical interpreters to improve communication with patients. We are now more aware of the barriers that prevent patients from accessing their medications.
Anjali Desai, Celena Fei, Kaitlyn Kaufman, Vasavi Peruru, & Lauren Siegel
“As a law student, I witnessed barriers to care for patients and undertook new forms of advocacy outside of the legal profession. Overall, we greatly appreciated the opportunity to work with the Patient Assistance Program and learn more about our community through the process.”
Kaitlyn Kaufman