This position may be eligible for an employment incentive

The Medication Assistance Program Advocate will be responsible for coordinating the application process for medications for low income, uninsured and uninsured patients directly with the pharmaceutical companies. Position will work collaboratively with Billings Clinic nurses, providers and staff and community partners such as Riverstone Health, St. Vincent Healthcare, other participating clinics, etc.

Essential Job Functions

• Supports and models behaviors consistent with the mission and philosophy of Billings Clinic and department/service.

• Receives referrals from a variety of sources and initiates a follow-up call to patient/client to complete the medication assistance application. Advises patient/client of required financial documentation requirements and information they will need to provide at their scheduled appointment.

• At the time of the appointment, a financial screening for income verification will be completed first to determine if the patient/client meets the requirements of the program. If the patient/client meets the requirements of the program, an Authorization for Release of Information is signed by the patient/client to participate in the program.

• Completes the application online directly into the Drug Assistant database based on information provided by the patient/client. If requested. Provides copy to patient/client to validate. Verifies information and obtains their signature.

• Initiates a prescription order for each medication being requested for the health care provider to review, validate and sign. Forwards the original applications and the prescription requests to the provider’s office.

• Reviews returned applications to ensure completeness prior to mailing or faxing to the pharmaceutical company.

• Inquires as to status of current medication supply for patient/client to ensure they have an adequate supply until their shipment arrives. If they do not, assist patient/client by obtaining short term supply (such as samples or bridge supply from the MAP program or vouchers or discount coupons)

• Initiates follow-up calls or mails out a postcard to notify patient/clients that their medications have arrived and are ready for pick-up. Follow-up with patient if medications are not picked up.

• Becomes familiar with the facility computer information system (CIS) and or outpatient prescription processing software.

• Process appeals for those applications that have been denied.

• Inventory handling: Receives pharmaceuticals shipments from manufacturer, Stores appropriately, maintains accurate records, assures adequate supplies for patient and completes monthly inventories

• Identifies needs and sets goals for own growth and development; meets all mandatory organizational and departmental requirements.

• Maintains competency in all organizational, departmental and outside agency environmental, employee or patient safety standards relevant to job performance.

• Performs other duties as assigned or needed to meet the needs of the department/organization.