From I Love The Burg:
As Tampa Bay continues to grow, health inequities among its residents are becoming more pronounced, especially with the rising cost of living. Metro Inclusive Health is addressing these challenges head-on with its “Copay it Forward” program, which generated an impressive $755,107 in free healthcare for the area’s uninsured and underinsured in 2023. This figure surpasses the previous year’s total by nearly $95,000, demonstrating the program’s growing impact.
Chief Marketing & Business Development Officer Brian Bailey highlighted the critical nature of their mission: “With rising costs impacting every aspect of daily life, it’s more crucial than ever to ensure that healthcare remains accessible.”
The “Copay it Forward” program is fueled by insured patients receiving care from a METRO medical provider. Just by using their normal copay to fill prescriptions at Metro Inclusive Pharmacy or a partner pharmacy, they’re helping to fund essential services for those without insurance.
According to the annual report, 90% of their HIV patients have achieved undetectable viral loads, compared to state and national averages of 68% and 65%.” METRO saw a 62% increase in patients living with HIV seeking care and treatment.
The 2023 Annual Report for Metro Inclusive Health highlights several key achievements and statistics.
Eliminating Barriers to Care: Essential services included 924 bus passes, 1,329 gas cards, 1,403 Uber Health rides, 315 food bags, 2,988 meals, and 426 clients receiving housing stabilization support.
