KSHB News Interview about Medicare Price Negotiations

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Medicare Price Negotiations Could Help Some Patients: Pharmacy of Grace’s Michael Fink Interview Highlights Commitment to Affordable Medications

January 21st, 2025 – KSHB Channel 41 stopped by the pharmacy to interview us about Medicare’s price negotiations for several medications including diabetes medications Ozempic and Wegovy. His insights reflect Pharmacy of Grace’s dedication to helping patients navigate the high cost of prescriptions and access the medications they need.

Michael Fink Interview on KSHB

Michael Fink Interview on KSHB

In the article, Michael emphasized the challenges many patients face when trying to afford medications like Ozempic or Wegovy, particularly those with diabetes. “There’s a lot of patients that we have that have tried to use these medications but just haven’t had the ability to pay for them or navigate the complex process to access them,” Michael said.

The addition of Ozempic and Wegovy to Medicare’s list of drugs eligible for price negotiations is a positive step forward. These negotiations aim to make life-changing medications more affordable for millions of Americans. According to U.S. Health and Human Services, these drugs are among 25 medications that account for one-third of Medicare’s prescription spending, and lower costs could soon bring relief to countless families.

At Pharmacy of Grace, we’re proud to stand with patients as advocates for affordable healthcare. Michael’s participation in this conversation highlights our ongoing commitment to supporting our community and ensuring that cost is not a barrier to the medications they need.

Here is a link to the story on KSHB.com:

https://www.kshb.com/news/local-news/with-trump-taking-office-questions-arise-about-medicare-price-negotiations-for-ozempic-wegovy

POG Interviewed about Pharmacy Closures on KCUR’s Up To Date

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November 8th, 2024
Kansas City, KS — Pharmacy closures across the U.S., including in Kansas City, are leaving communities in crisis. After the Duchesne Clinic closed, more than 1,000 patients had to find new providers, and nearly 400 have turned to Pharmacy of Grace.

John Yost on KCUR Radio

 

KCUR interviewed one of the Duchesne patients who is now coming to Pharmacy of Grace. Our co-founder John Yost explained what is driving many of the closures.

 

You can listen to the full interview on KCUR’s Up To Date at this link. 

Pharmacy of Grace Addresses Pharmacy Closures in Kansas City

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October 11th, 2024

Kansas City, KS — Pharmacy closures continue to leave a critical gap in healthcare access for urban and low-income communities, but Pharmacy of Grace is stepping up to serve Kansas City residents in need. One of our patients, Diane Marquez, shared her experience of trying to manage chronic conditions after her local pharmacy closed. Now, Diane relies on Pharmacy of Grace for her essential medications and support. She drives across town to come to us because the medication is affordable.

Our pharmacist, Kari Duede, explained that Pharmacy of Grace provides personalized care to bridge the healthcare gap, offering one-on-one counseling to help patients like Diane access affordable, reliable medications. As more pharmacies close, we remain committed to being a lifeline for our community, ensuring accessible care for all.

Pharmacy of Grace on KSHB 10/11See the full story on the KSHB website here:

Pharmacies are closing in KC and across the country, impacting communities

 

Popularity of weight loss medications impact diabetes patients

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May 30, 2024 – KSHB Channel 41 talked to several experts about heightened interest in certain diabetes medications that also help with weight loss. Pharmacist-In-Charge Michael Fink explained how the supply shortages are impacting our patients:

“When we’re trying to supply a patient with these medications and they’re not available, moving to an affordable product isn’t always an option for them,” Fink said.

 

KSHB News Headline: Are weight-loss drugs the future of medicine? Here's what KC area experts had to say.

 

You can read or watch KSHB’s in-depth report HERE.

KSHB: Patients, pharmacists feel relief with insulin prices lowered to $35

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Kansas City, KS — KSHB stopped by Pharmacy of Grace last week to interview our Pharmacist-in-Charge Michael Fink about the new program helping cap insulin prices for Medicare patients at just $35.

Fink told reporter Elyse Shoenig about how he’s seen insulin prices skyrocketing in the last few years, and how difficult that has been for patients. This price cap will help some people, but Pharmacy of Grace is still concerned about who gets left behind. Uninsured and underinsured patients are still struggling to afford their insulin, and we want to make sure they know that Pharmacy of Grace can help. Fink told KSHB that he’s seen firsthand the powerful impact it has on patients to finally be able to afford their medications when they come to Pharmacy of Grace:

“I’ve actually had patients walk out the door crying when we’ve given them their insulin that they’re now able to take it home,” Fink said. “Instead of not being able to afford it and just refusing it at the counter.”

KSHB also interviewed one of our patients, Ralph Richardson, who needs insulin to control his diabetes. His son said that they come to Pharmacy of Grace because the insulin is significantly less expensive with us than anywhere else.

Watch the entire story on KSHB’s website: click here
A woman fills prescription bottles at a pharmacy.
Are you struggling to afford your insulin? Our Grace Meds program helps uninsured and underinsured people afford their medications, including getting insulin for a price they can afford.

We are also a full-service pharmacy open to anyone regardless of insurance status, including Medicare and fully insured patients.

Do you want to know if you’re getting the best price for your medication? Give us a call today and our friendly staff will be happy to talk you through the benefits of filling your medications with us.

Santa Helps Deliver Christmas Cheer, Free Food and the Gift of Good Health 

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Kansas City, KS — Pharmacy of Grace, Mercy & Truth Healthcare Ministries, and Heart to Heart International partnered this week to provide food, medical attention, and healthcare items to our KCK community. Plus, Santa and Mrs. Claus visited with kids, listened to wish lists, and took pictures. Fox 4 News covered the event on their morning and noon shows.  

Mercy & Truth and Pharmacy of Grace on Fox 4's morning show

This event was part of the Church of the Ressurection’s normal monthly food distribution at the Mercy & Truth facility at 31st and Barnett in KCK. It takes place the first Tuesday of every month. 

Food Insecurity and Healthcare

We know that food insecurity and lack of access to healthcare often go hand in hand, so while neighbors came to us for the food boxes, we wanted to make sure they’re aware of our safety net services. They also left with many items to help keep them healthy this winter. Pharmacy of Grace gave out cough drops, tums, thermometers, Tylenol samples, and Kleenex travel packs, plus information about our pharmacy, which is open to anyone regardless of insurance status.  

Pharmacy of Grace also provided volunteers to help Heart to Heart International provide vaccinations. We Flu vaccineprovided 18 flu and 6 Covid vaccines.

HHI also did A1C and blood pressure screenings. Half of the A1C tests were considered “out of range” and several people were referred to Mercy & Truth’s clinic for medical care. 

Pharmacy of Grace volunteers also spoke to several people in our community who are struggling to afford medications. People who are uninsured or underinsured can apply for our Grace Meds program which offers reduced prices to help make sure people can access their medications. 

Wyandotte Angels also came to distribute blankets, coats, and other items to help our community keep warm. Aetna and Kansas Civic Engagement Table also handed out health information and free Covid tests. 

Thank you to all our partners for helping give the gift of good health this holiday season! 

Fox 4 News Coverage of free food/healthcare event

In the News: Government Plan to Reduce Prescription Medication Costs

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Pharmacy of Grace Response: You don’t need to wait for the government to fix this problem. We can help you afford your medications today. 

August 30th, 2023 – Pharmacy of Grace was on 41 Action News KSHB and WDAF-TV FOX4 News last night. We were asked to comment about how the Biden plan to lower certain drug costs would benefit Medicare patients.

These government negotiations are aspirational and could take years to implement (if at all.) However, people in our community need help now and they don’t need to wait for the government to sort this out.

People with insurance, including Medicare, should call us to see if they are getting the best price for their medications.

Patients at Mercy and Truth Medical Missions or who plan to become a patient there, please talk to Pharmacy of Grace if you are having financial difficulties as a result of taking one of these 10 medications mentioned in the news story, or a similar medication.

Also, patients who are insured can use Pharmacy of Grace to help generate revenue that not only stays local but increases services to our uninsured and underinsured patients.

People who are uninsured and underinsured receive deep discounts thanks to our Grace Meds program, supported by grants and private donors.

Pharmacy of Grace tries to help ALL people have access to their medications at a price they can afford.

We’re here to help. Right now.

 

Links to the news stories from yesterday:

https://www.kshb.com/news/local-news/wyandotte-county-medicare-recipients-pleased-with-efforts-to-lower-prescription-drug-costs

https://fox4kc.com/news/president-biden-has-beaten-big-pharma-with-drug-price-negotiations-white-house/

 

 

Still shots from news coverage on Channel 41 and Fox 4

News Coverage on Fox 4 and Channel 41 News

KSHB Features Pharmacy of Grace: One Year Later

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‘My experience has been life changing’: Pharmacy of Grace serves uninsured and underinsured patients in WyCo

August 16th, 2023 — KSHB-TV is featuring the Pharmacy of Grace story one year after opening. They first interviewed us more than a year ago, before we even opened our doors. (You can see that story HERE.) Now one year later they’re explaining the impact that we’re having on our community:

still image of the video playback from KSHB website

Pharmacist filling prescriptions

WYANDOTTE COUNTY, Kan. — A nonprofit pharmacy in Wyandotte County, Kansas, wants to fill an important gap in health care by making medications affordable for those who are underinsured or uninsured.

According to national data, 20% to 30% of prescriptions written by doctors are never filled. Unmanaged diseases cost the U.S. health care system an estimated $100 billion per year.

 

 

Read more HERE or copy and paste:

https://www.kshb.com/news/local-news/my-experience-has-been-life-changing-pharmacy-of-grace-serves-uninsured-and-underinsured-patients-in-wyco

 

Kickin’ It With The Chiefs

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June 6th, 2023 – Pharmacy of Grace and Mercy and Truth Medical Missions teamed up with several other community organizations for Kickin’ it with the Chiefs! We wanted to help families get summer kicked off on the right foot with some gently used shoes, food, and lots of free health and wellness products and services. Our Development Director Ryann Galloway Tacha represented Pharmacy of Grace with several media interviews.

Giveaways included:
🌞 The Church of the Resurrection Mobile Food Pantry provided free food and MTMM had kids snack packs.

🌞 Pharmacy of Grace provided free over-the-counter medications.

🏈 Pictures with The Chief’s KC WOLF

😁 Free basic dental screenings and fluoride treatments for kids from Kurlbaum Dental 

🌞 Heart to Heart International offered free vaccines plus free hygiene kits and A1C tests

🌞 Wyandotte Angels gave out gently used shoes for kids and adults.

Thanks to our other guests:

Kansas Civic Engagement Table and KC Scholars for being a part of the fun.
These events with our community partners are a great way to make sure we’re helping people in many different ways. Many people told us they were grateful to get the free otc meds from us to help treat allergies or indigestion. One woman took advantage of the free A1C tests and discovered her blood sugar levels were dangerously high – so we made sure she’s aware of how Pharmacy of Grace can help her afford her medications and she can get her health back on track.
We are all stronger together and making a difference in peoples’ lives in ways big and small.
All four tv stations covered the event and Fox 4’s Kathy Quinn spent several hours out there with us doing live shots for the morning news.
CLICK the picture below to see one of the media mentions, KCTV 5’s story posted on their website:

Pharmacy of Grace interview on Fox 4 News about Narcan

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FDA approves Narcan as first over-the-counter opioid overdose-reversal drug

April 4, 2023 – The FDA has approved selling naloxone without a prescription. This would make the overdose-reversing drug the first opioid treatment drug to be sold over the counter.

Our Pharmacist-in-Charge Michael Fink from Pharmacy of Grace talked to Fox 4 News about the drug. He emphasized the importance of NARCAN as a life-saving tool for overdose emergencies, reassuring the community about its safety and proper use.

Michael Fink Interview

Link to the video here:

https://fox4kc.com/news/national/fda-approves-first-over-the-counter-drug-for-opioid-overdose-reversal/