New laws, funding improve medication access for patients in need
Tennessee-based program aims to help the 34% of low-income cancer patients who go without lifesaving cancer medications due to cost
MEMPHIS, Tenn., Feb. 29, 2024 – Tens of millions of Americans live with cancer. Although the majority struggle to afford their care, more than a third of low-income patients admit to delaying or skipping necessary prescriptions due to cost. But thanks to a new law in Tennessee and an infusion of funding from the McKesson Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, patients in need across the country can resolve to prioritize their health this year with free access to costly cancer treatments from RemediChain – which they may not be able to get any other way.
“Once diagnosed, the speed with which cancer patients start their chemotherapy regimen is a leading factor in treatment outcomes,” said Phil Baker, PharmD, co-founder and CEO of RemediChain. “Delays in treatment allow cancer to grow and can lead to serious complications and – too often – death. This can affect anyone, but we unfortunately see it most among lower-income and older patients who simply cannot afford to pay for treatment. RemediChain can change that by facilitating the share of unused, unopened, good-condition medication between cancer patients who don’t need it and cancer patients who do.”
Good Shepherd Health, a Memphis-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit, launched the RemediChain program in 2019, after their first legislative success allowed for the donation and reuse of prescription medication in Tennessee. The program currently focuses on high-value, often-wasted oral chemotherapy, although RemediChain has long-term plans to expand its reach to similar drugs in other categories – thanks in part to Tennessee’s newly enacted Kevin Clauson Drug Donation Act and a substantial grant from the McKesson Foundation.
“The American Cancer Society estimated that nearly 2 million people would be diagnosed with cancer last year, with devastating effects on both their health and their finances,” said Melissa Thompson, president of the McKesson Foundation. “More than 80% of cancer patients report making financial sacrifices to deal with their diagnosis, so as part of the McKesson Foundation’s commitment to reducing the burden of cancer, we support efforts to remove socioeconomic barriers to care. RemediChain’s mission is remarkably simple in nature, yet groundbreaking in impact. We know it will quite literally save lives.”
Tennessee law allows individuals from any state to donate medication – which must be unexpired, unopened and in original packaging – to RemediChain’s Memphis facility. The organization can also dispense medications to qualifying patients across the country, depending on their state’s laws. For a current list of eligible states, click here.
“Each year, the United States alone generates 3.5 million tons of medical waste, including lifesaving, mint-condition prescription drugs that could be given to patients in need,” Baker said. “The effect is especially pronounced among cancer patients who may change their treatments, pass away or go into remission before using all their medication. And we can change that.”
Since 2019, RemediChain has collected nearly $10 million dollars’ worth of oral chemotherapies, which they distributed to more than 600 patients who would not have received cancer treatment any other way. With a generous one-year grant from the McKesson Foundation and through the efforts of program director Liz Robinson, RemediChain hopes reclaim $50 million worth of chemotherapy medications; redistribute $12 million worth; and impact more than 400 patients over the next 12 months.
“No one should have to go without their medication because of cost,” Thompson said. “It is our sincere hope that funding this program will create long-term ripple effects to reduce the burden of cancer care and to provide peace of mind to patients across the country.”
About the McKesson Foundation
Founded in 1943, the McKesson Foundation is a 501(c)(3) corporate foundation dedicated to advancing health outcomes for all. The Foundation’s mission is to remove barriers to quality health care across North America, especially for vulnerable and underserved communities. The foundation’s efforts focus on three pillars – reducing the burden of cancer, preparing tomorrow’s health care workforce, and accelerating crisis response. For more information about the McKesson Foundation, click here.
About the Kevin Clauson Drug Donation Act
Named for dedicated pharmacist and pharmacy professor Kevin Clauson, this legislation was signed into law by Tennessee Governor Bill Lee on July 12, 2023, and took effect Jan. 1, 2024. The law aims to reduce medication waste by expanding access to lifesaving medications to more people by changing the definition of “indigent” to include patients with an income below 600% of the federal poverty level (up from 200%); expanding the list of medications eligible for donation to include inhalers, patches, injectables, over-the-counter and specialty drugs; and broadening the eligibility requirements for donors. For more information about the legislation, click here.
About RemediChain
We are pharmacists who believe everyone should have access to the medication they need. By managing surplus donated medication as a resource, we fulfill our mission to provide life-saving medications to patients who many otherwise go without. With support from lawmakers, patient advocates and people like you, we hope to improve health care for millions of Americans. For more information, visit DonateMyMeds.org.
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