At Least 33 States Have Or Are Considering Prescription Drug 'Recycling' Programs To Reduce Costs For Uninsured, Low-Income Residents

Main Category: Pharmacy / Pharmacist
Also Included In: Public Health;  Health Insurance / Medical Insurance
Article Date: 08 Apr 2008 - 9:00 PDT

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At least 33 U.S. states have implemented laws to allow or study programs that redistribute unused prescription medications to uninsured or low-income individuals, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures, the AP/Arizona Daily Star reports.

Some of the states allow individuals to donate sealed drugs, while others allow only prescription drugs donated from institutions, including physician offices and assisted living facilities. The drugs typically are examined by pharmacists for consumer safety and then are distributed by hospitals, pharmacies or charitable clinics.

David Fries, CEO of the Iowa Prescription Drug Corporation, said drug recycling programs reduce costs "by just working with one patient and saving them and keeping them out of the hospital over the long term." Some health care experts say it is too soon to determine the programs' cost-saving benefits to emergency departments and other providers caring for the uninsured.

Some state officials say that the drug redistribution programs, which depend largely on donations, are not lasting solutions to address the health care problems of the uninsured and low-income. However, the AP/Daily Star reports that officials say the programs can "help plug gaps in medication for those who live paycheck to paycheck." While most of the programs still are new or in the test phase, state officials predict an increase in the programs' popularity, according to the AP/Daily Star (Choi, AP/Arizona Daily Star, 4/7).

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