A Guide to Accessing Prescription Medications
We want to help Worcester residents prepare for upcoming changes to MassHealth coverage. Some individuals and families may lose coverage or need to change insurance plans.
Most MassHealth members will not be affected by these changes. MassHealth will contact you directly if a change affects your coverage.
1. What Changes Are Coming?
Important Dates to Know
- October 2026: Some lawfully present immigrants will no longer qualify for full MassHealth coverage. Some may still qualify for other types of coverage.
- January 2027: Some members will have new work or education requirements and may need to renew their coverage more often.
Important Things to Remember
- Changes will happen on your individual renewal date, not necessarily on January 1.
- Keep your address, phone number and other contact information up to date with MassHealth.
- MassHealth has indicated that some people who lose coverage may qualify for a temporary 30-day supply of medication. Contact MassHealth to confirm whether you qualify.
Learn more at Mass.gov.
2. Steps You Can Take Now
Plan Ahead for Prescription Refills
Contact your healthcare provider and pharmacist before your insurance changes or you run out of medication. Ask them:
- Can I get a 60- or 90-day supply of my medication?
- Is there a lower-cost generic medication available?
- Does the pharmacy offer discounted prices or other assistance?
- Can I refill my prescription before my insurance changes?
Do not stop taking or reduce your medication without speaking with a healthcare professional.
Connect with a Health Center
Worcester has community health centers and hospitals that may be able to help with prescription costs and other healthcare services.
The Health Safety Net (HSN) is one program that may help eligible Massachusetts residents access certain healthcare services and prescriptions.
- HSN is not health insurance.
- Eligibility rules apply.
- Not all medications and pharmacies are covered.
- In most cases, prescriptions must be written by a provider affiliated with the healthcare organization connected to the pharmacy.
HSN Phone: 877-910-2100
Family Health Center of Worcester, Edward M. Kennedy Community Health Center and UMass Memorial Health have HSN designations. Current patients should contact their healthcare provider to ask about eligibility and prescription assistance.
Avoid Using the Emergency Department Just to Get Prescriptions
An emergency department visit just to obtain a prescription may not be considered an emergency and could result in significant costs. Contact your healthcare provider, community health center or pharmacist for help instead.
3. Worcester Healthcare Resources
The following organizations may be able to help you access healthcare, enroll in services or find affordable prescriptions.
Edward M. Kennedy Community Health Center (EMKCHC)
- New patients: Contact the health center to ask about patient enrollment opportunities in November: 508-852-1805
- Insurance assistance: Staff can help individuals understand their insurance options and apply for coverage.
- Discounted prescriptions: The retail pharmacy at 605 Lincoln Street offers discounted medication prices. Greater discounts may be available to health center patients.
Learn more about insurance enrollment.
Family Health Center of Worcester
Contact the health center to ask about becoming a patient and available prescription assistance.
Walk-In Center Hours:
- Monday–Friday: 8:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m.
- Saturday: 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
UMass Memorial Health
Individuals who are not current patients can contact UMass Memorial Health to ask about primary care enrollment and prescription assistance.
Learn more about Primary Care Information.
Saint Vincent Hospital / Tenet Healthcare
Saint Vincent Hospital's pharmacy cannot dispense medications directly to outpatients. Individuals who need prescriptions should contact their healthcare provider or a community pharmacy for assistance.
Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (MCPHS) – Pharmacy Outreach Program
This free program is available to Massachusetts residents.
Pharmacists and case managers work together to help individuals:
- Find programs that may lower medication costs.
- Identify resources to make prescriptions more affordable.
- Understand how to take medications safely and correctly.
Location: 19 Foster Street, Worcester, MA
Walk-In Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Phone: 866-633-1617
4. Prescription Discount and Assistance Programs
These programs may help lower the cost of prescription medications. Eligibility, medication availability and savings vary. Contact each program directly for details.
- GoodRx
- Who can use it: General public.
- A free website and mobile app that compares prescription prices at participating pharmacies and provides discount coupons.
- Coupons generally cannot be combined with insurance. Compare the coupon price with your insurance copay to see which costs less.
- NeedyMeds
- Who can use it: General public.
- A nonprofit organization that provides information about programs that help people afford medications and healthcare.
- Offers information about medication assistance programs, coupons and prescription discount cards.
- Rx Outreach
- Who can use it: Depends on program requirements.
- A nonprofit mail-order pharmacy that offers many medications at reduced prices.
- SHINE – Serving the Health Insurance Needs of Everyone
- Who can use it: Massachusetts residents who have Medicare or qualify due to a disability.
- Provides free help understanding Medicare and other health insurance options.
- Contact your local Council on Aging and ask for the SHINE program.
- Phone: 800-243-4636
- Walmart Pharmacy
- Offers select generic medications at discounted prices.
- Some medications have historically been available for $4 for a 30-day supply. Prices and availability vary.
- Home delivery may require a paid membership or additional fees.
- Price Chopper / Market 32 Pharmacy
- Offers select prescriptions at discounted prices.
- The Diabetes AdvantEdge Program may provide eligible participants with diabetes medications and supplies.
- Contact your local pharmacy to confirm prices, availability and eligibility.
- Amazon Pharmacy – RxPass
- Offers certain eligible medications for a subscription fee.
- Eligibility and medication restrictions apply.
- Cost Plus Drugs
- An online pharmacy that offers certain prescription medications at discounted prices.
5. Important Reminders
- Do not wait until your insurance coverage ends. Read all MassHealth notices and pay attention to renewal deadlines.
- Keep your contact information up to date with MassHealth.
- Talk with your healthcare provider and pharmacist before changing medications, refill dates or pharmacies.
- Contact each program or pharmacy directly to confirm eligibility, prices and available medications.
- Never stop taking or reduce your prescribed medication without speaking with a healthcare professional.
Additional Resources
- Learn more about MassHealth Changes.
- Health Insurance Enrollment and Guidance
Contact Information
Address
Health and Human Services
City Hall Room 101
455 Main Street
Worcester, MA 01608
Contact
Phone: 508-799-8486
Fax: 508-799-1218
hhs@worcesterma.gov
Hours
Monday - Friday
8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.