CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — A local organization is helping individuals suffering from a chronic disease get their medications for free.
“We were able to help him get his medication, and now he’s HEP-C free,” said Sandra Garcia, Program Manager Texas A&M Coastal Bend Health Education Center Medication Assistance Program.
“I really appreciate the help,” said Ricardo Cantu, who has since been cured.
Cantu suffered from Hepatitis-C for 20 years.
“He was a widow, he had two teenage children,” said Garcia.
A cure was developed but an illness-free life seemed to be out of Cantu’s budget.
“Medication that for a 90 day supply was over $100,000,“ said Garcia.
At that crossroad Cantu met the Texas A&M Coastal Bend Health Education Center’s Medication Assistance Program.
If you are uninsured, under-insured, or recently lost your job and benefits because of Coronavirus related layoffs, Garcia says they will help you apply to get your medication for free.
“They would receive anywhere from 90 to 120 days supplies of medication,” said Garcia.
But the medication has to be for a chronic disease.
“For diabetes, cholesterol, high blood pressure, any type of cardio vascular med, mental health medications, respiratory,” said Garcia.
Garcia says there is no limit on how many medications you can get for free as long as you have a doctor’s prescription.
You do need to provide proof of income or a zero income letter if you’ve been laid off.
Also, you can reapply at the end of each year.
“To have more time with my kids and a longer life,” said Cantu.
For more information on how to apply to get free medication you can contact Sandra Garcia, Program Manager for Texas A&M Coastal Bend Health Education Center Medication Assistance Program at 361-886-3014.
Or visit: https://cbhec.tamhsc.edu/medication-assistance/index.html