Growing Access to Hospital Post-Discharge Medications
Description: Ensures patients receive prescribed medications before leaving the hospital, eliminating access and transportation barriers. By charging outpatient prices and providing bedside counseling, the program improves recovery readiness and reduces readmissions.
Activity
Track the progress and opportunities for Initiative 6.
| Name | Description | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 Grant Agreements | Execute in July 2026 | In Progress |
| Statewide workgroup launch in July 2026 | Launch Meds-to-Beds steering committee comprised of key stakeholders and subject matter experts | In Progress |
| Resource Development | IDOH in partnership with statewide workgroup will develop resources and technical assistance for Year 1 grantees | Ongoing |
| Name | Description | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Rural Hospital Survey | REDCap | Closed 4/17/26 |
| Informational webinars for hospitals | Webinars to introduce the Year 1 noncompetitive funding opportunity and next steps | Completed 4/6-10 |
FAQs
How does this affect reception of my medicine? Will this make it easier for me to get my medicine before leaving the hospital?
The goal of the initiative is to provide people with medication prior to leaving the hospital. This should make it easier for you to get your medicine since you won’t have to try to find a pharmacy after leaving the hospital. You will be able to go home and recover from your illness without immediately worrying about finding your medicine.
Will this initiative also include helping develop or expand retail pharmacy programs within our rural hospitals?
Local circumstances and approaches to the provision of medications prior to discharge may vary. However, for those interested in developing or expanding retail pharmacy programs within their hospitals, the initiative should assist in doing so.
Is there a role in this initiative for community retail pharmacies?
As noted above, local approaches may vary. Community retail pharmacies may play a role in facilitating delivery to the hospital bedside through courier or pharmacy staff if the partnership model allows. This model may work well, especially for hospitals that do not have an on-site outpatient pharmacy.
Will the medications cost less because they’re charged at outpatient prices?
Yes, given at outpatient prices, they will cost less than inpatient medications. The medications will still be billed to insurance as if you are visiting a pharmacy in your community even though you are receiving them in the hospital.
How does bedside counseling help patients recover and avoid going back to the hospital?
Bedside counseling prior to discharge helps patients better understand how to care for themselves once they get home. In addition to receiving all the medications they need, the opportunity to discuss the proper timing and dosages ensures that patients optimize their home treatment. The result is that patients can continue improving once they get home and avoid going back to the hospital.