About
The Certified Aging Resource Educated Specialists (C.A.R.E.S.) Pharmacy Network was formed in 2015 to help increase the access of low income subsidies for Medicare beneficiaries. It is endorsed by the Alabama Department of Senior Services and managed by the Harrison School of Pharmacy. To learn more about the network, click the button below.
Mission
The primary goal of the network is to create an efficient and effective referral system from the pharmacy network members to the local Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs) that will help screen for eligibility for assistance programs. Network pharmacies will receive a referral kit to identify and refer Medicare patients who may benefit from community programs to a local agency.
Why is this necessary
Half of Medicare beneficiaries have incomes less than $23,500 and have limited savings. The National Council on Aging reported that one in three Americans age 65 and older is economically insecure which means they are lacking the resources needed to meet basic food, housing, and medical needs. Many seniors and adults with disabilities qualify for, but are not yet enrolled in, assistance programs that could help them pay for medical care and medication costs. Many beneficiaries are not aware of the availability of these subsidy programs, or the application process is too complex.
