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What happens when a potential patient calls the toll-free number?A Communicare patient advocate will discuss eligibility with the caller and then ask for an address to mail an application. The application is a simple form to establish income and eligibility. Should a patient wait until they are sick to apply to Communicare?No. A patient can apply at any time. In fact, it is much better for a patient to qualify for Communicare before care is needed, so that he or she will not have to wait for approval. Once applicants are approved for Communicare, they are eligible to use the program for up to one year. At the end of a year, they can reapply if they still need Communicare services. What happens when a patient does need to see a physician?The patient calls Communicare's toll-free number. Patients who have been approved for a physician' s visit will be referred to the volunteer physician located closest to the patient. Patients are responsible for contacting physicians' offices and arranging their own appointments and transportation. What type of illnesses does Communicare treat?Communicare health care providers treat non-emergency conditions. Many patients seek care for high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, allergies, and arthritis, though a wide variety of treatments for other diseases are also offered. What happens if a patient has an ongoing medical need?Once a patient is accepted into the program, Communicare works with the patient to provide ongoing medical support by utilizing various resources. How does a patient get a prescription filled at no cost?An approved Communicare patient must have a prescription written by a licensed provider, and either mail it to Communicare or have the provider fax it to Communicare's pharmacy. Only a recognized health care provider may fax prescriptions to Communicare. Can a patient be a Lilly Cares and Communicare client?Yes. If the patient qualifies, they can be a participant in both programs. How long does it take to get the medications?It takes from two to four business days depending on the shipping method and location. If a patient has a question about their medication, who do they call?Patients are encouraged to call either the Communicare pharmacy or the doctor who prescribed the medication. When should a patient call the pharmacy to get their prescription refilled?Patient can call the Communicare pharmacy to refill their prescription ten days prior to their last pill. How does Communicare help the state's medical system?Communicare promotes prevention and health management by providing patients with a way to get health care services and prescription medications at no charge. Communicare also keeps uninsured patients out of the emergency room, where these patients traditionally go for their medical needs. Finding a more efficient way to treat these non-emergency patients means millions of dollars in savings to hospitals and taxpayers. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
