Introducing the new Texas HIV SPAP (State Pharmaceutical Assistance Program):
The Texas HIV Medication Program (THMP) is proud to announce the debut of the Texas HIV State Pharmaceutical Assistance Program (SPAP), which began operating on January 1, 2008. The Texas SPAP was developed to help HIV-positive individuals with their out-of-pocket costs associated with Medicare Part D prescription drug plans, including co-payments, deductibles, coinsurance, and during the coverage gap (the “donut hole”).
Current THMP recipients with Medicare will be transitioned to the new Texas HIV SPAP after an enrollment process has been completed. This includes applying for the Low Income Subsidy (Extra Help) through the Social Security Administration, submitting the SPAP enrollment form to the THMP and choosing a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan if not currently enrolled in a plan. Once eligible individuals are enrolled in the SPAP, they will no longer get their medications from the THMP. Enrollees will use approved retail or mail order pharmacies to fill all of their medications provided by their Medicare Part D prescription drug plan, including medications to treat HIV as well as medications to help with side effects and other conditions related to HIV.
Ramsell Public Health RX (formerly known as Public Health Services Bureau), a pharmacy benefit manager, will manage the Texas HIV SPAP through a contract with the Texas Department of State Health Services. Ramsell's contract responsibilities include finalizing the pharmacy network and administering the payments made to the Medicare Plans on behalf of the Texas HIV SPAP.
If you have questions or concerns, please call Ramsell Public Health RX at 1-888-311-7632. You can also call the Texas HIV Medication Program (THMP) at 1-800-255-1090 and ask to speak with Katherine Wells (ext 3008) or Juliet Garcia (ext 3004) between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Ramsell Public Health RX website [Ramsell]
The following files are available for viewing and downloading:
HIV SPAP Fact Sheet (PDF : 52 kb) - An informative guide providing a general overview of the HIV SPAP as it relates to clients with Medicare in Texas receiving aid through the Texas HIV Medication Program. (updated December 18, 2008)
HIV SPAP Application Form (PDF : 23 kb) - THMP applicants with MEDICARE should fill out this supplemental one-page application form. Individuals with Medicare who are eligible for assistance from the THMP will be enrolled in the HIV State Pharmaceutical Assistance Program (SPAP) to obtain their medications. The SPAP is designed to provide help with co-pays, coinsurance and gap coverage associated with a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan. If you have questions about the SPAP or this application please call 1-800-255-1090. If you are not already enrolled in the THMP, you must also fill out the full THMP application.
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