A program that provides medicine and vaccines to uninsured people in Helene-affected counties will wind down at the end of the month.
The Emergency Prescription Assistance Program launched in early October. It provides temporary, no-cost access to prescription medications and vaccines for Helene victims in North Carolina and Georgia.
Medical equipment such as crutches, walkers and diabetic supplies are also covered.
Since October, the federal-state partnership program has processed more than 11,000 claims for over 800 victims in storm-affected counties.
Jennifer Greene is health director and CEO of AppHealthCare, a public health agency serving Ashe, Alleghany and Watauga counties. She says the program has been a great resource during the challenges caused by Helene, particularly for insulin-dependent patients and those on oxygen.
“One of the things we saw operating emergency shelters: A lot of people come and they’ve got the shirt on their back and that’s it,” she says. “So, having emergency prescription support is incredibly important."
Greene says participants can still get help with their pharmacy needs through the North Carolina Community Health Centers. She also says many would benefit by signing up for Medicaid, which the state expanded in 2023.