In a recent government meeting, officials discussed the funding request for a prescription assistance program, revealing a notable decrease in the amount sought compared to previous years. The request has been lowered from $110,000 to $100,000, attributed largely to the success of the 340B program at GraceMed, a federally funded pharmacy catering to uninsured patients.

The 340B program has enabled GraceMed to provide medications at significantly reduced co-pays, which has led to a decline in the demand for assistance through the health access program. Patients enrolled in the program benefit from co-pays as low as $5, and partnerships with local pharmacies in Shawnee County have eliminated dispensing fees, further stretching the program's budget.

Currently, the program supports approximately 45,000 prescription claims annually, demonstrating its efficiency in managing costs while providing essential services. Additionally, the city of Topeka is set to contribute nearly $50,000 in 2025 to support this initiative.

The impact of the prescription assistance program is significant, with reports indicating that 91% of enrolled patients have not visited the emergency room in the past six months, underscoring the program's role in promoting better health outcomes and reducing emergency healthcare costs.