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.”
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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. These services include primary care, HIV care and prevention, mental health services, vaccine access, pediatric and prenatal care, and prescription drug assistance across multiple locations in St. Pete, Tampa, Clearwater, Brandon, Seminole Heights, and New Port Richey, as well as via mobile and telehealth services.
With over 30 years in the community, Metro Inclusive Health has served as a beacon of health equity, offering over 100 services and programs. Each health center features state-of-the-art facilities, including onsite labs and pharmacies, same-day test results and visits, and access to modern technology and highly certified providers.
Metro Inclusive Pharmacy: A New Chapter in Health Equity
In 2023, Metro Inclusive Health introduced Metro Inclusive Pharmacy, which further enhances support for uninsured and underinsured patients. This initiative promises several community benefits, such as discrete and complimentary prescription delivery, reduced out-of-pocket prescription costs for self-pay patients, and increased copay assistance up to $100.
Expanding Reach and Services
“Having expanded to nine health centers in less than six months, METRO is already experiencing significant growth and demand,” said CEO Priya Rajkumar. “Our ‘One Provider, One Appointment’ approach has drastically improved patient outcomes.
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.
Impressive 2023 Statistics
The 2023 Annual Report for Metro Inclusive Health highlights several key achievements and statistics.
Total New Patients: 3,160 new patients were welcomed in 2023, underscoring the growing demand for METRO’s comprehensive healthcare services.
Community Outreach: Over 16,600 people received outreach services, with 5,371 individuals tested for HIV and STIs.
Behavioral Health Services: METRO served 1,308 behavioral health patients, highlighting the organization’s commitment to mental health.
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.
Fundraising and Community Support
METRO’s fundraising season kicks off every Pride month with various local businesses supporting their cause. High-profile included Ciccio Group, Tampa Bay Rays, Kahwa Coffee, Hunger & Thirst Group, Green Bench Brewing, and many others, each contributing in unique ways to support METRO’s mission, so far bringing in about $30,000 and counting, in support
For more information about Metro Inclusive Pharmacy, the Copay it Forward program, and their services, visit Metro Inclusive Health’s website or contact one of their nine Tampa Bay locations.
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