What is UNC Health Southeastern’s Pharmacy Care Clinic?
by Dezia Jo Chavis, PharmD
UNC Health Southeastern’s Pharmacy Care Clinic, established in the early 2000s, is dedicated to helping patients in our community access the prescription medications they need. The clinic is funded through a generous grant from the North Carolina Office of Rural Health and Community Care. Our team works directly with prescription assistance programs on behalf of eligible patients, allowing many to receive medications completely free of charge.
Q: Who does the clinic help?
A: We assist patients who are facing financial hardship, lack health insurance, have limited prescription coverage, or are Medicare beneficiaries experiencing high costs.
Q: How much does it cost to receive help from the Pharmacy Care Clinic?
A: There is no cost for patients to receive assistance through the Pharmacy Care Clinic. If you are approved for a prescription assistance program, every medication covered by that program is provided to you completely free of charge. Our clinic handles the application process on your behalf, and our goal is to ensure you receive the medications you need without any financial burden.
Q: How does the prescription assistance process work?
A: Once you provide the required documentation, our team applies to prescription assistance programs on your behalf. If approved, you will receive your medications at no cost.
Q: What documents do I need to bring to determine my eligibility?
A: To help us evaluate your eligibility, please bring:
- Proof of Income
- Recent pay stub
- Federal tax return
- Social Security income statement
- Disability, retirement, or unemployment benefits statement
- If no income, a letter of support from the person providing for you is required
- Proof of Residency
- Provide documentation showing your current address, such as:
- Utility bill
- Lease agreement
- Any piece of official mail
- Valid Form of Identification (ID)
- MEDICAID Documentation
- Medicaid denial letter OR Family Planning Program letter
- Current Prescriptions
- Bring a hardcopy prescription from your doctor for each medication
Q: Are there additional requirements for MEDICARE patients?
A: Yes. Medicare beneficiaries must also apply for the Low-Income Subsidy (Extra Help) program. However, this can be handled by our office via telephone.
Q: What is the clinic's mission?
A: Our mission is simple--to support your health and well-being without adding financial stress. We are committed to helping every patient access essential medication, regardless of their financial or insurance status.
Q: I'm a healthcare provider. What should I do if I identify a patient who may need help accessing their medications?
A: If you believe a patient is struggling to afford their medications, you can help by referring them directly to the Pharmacy Care Clinic. Providers can:
- Encourage the patient to call us at (910) 671-5272 for assistance.
- Provide the patient with our address: 2934 North Elm Street, Suite D, Lumberton, NC 28358.
- Provide the patient with a hardcopy prescription for each medication for which they need assistance.
- Share our list of required documentation so the patient can gather what they need before their visit.
- Contact our clinic directly if you have questions about a patient's eligibility or available programs.
Q: What are your hours of operation and how can I contact the Pharmacy Care Clinic?
A: The Pharmacy Care Clinic is open Monday through Thursday, from 8 a.m. to Noon and 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. For more information, you may contact the clinic, which is located at Southeastern Health Mall, 2934 North Elm Street, Suite D, Lumberton, by phone at (910) 671-5272.
Dezia Jo Chavis, PharmD, is the pharmacy manager for UNC Health Southeastern’s Pharmacy Care Clinic.
