NACOGDOCHES, Texas (KTRE) – Forty percent of Texans skip doses or discontinue medication due to high prices, according to data from Texas Affordable Healthcare.
That problem is heightened in rural communities.
So, when Beatrice Moralas was diagnosed with diabetes without health insurance, she didn’t know what to do.
“I was not expecting the price to be that high, for the insulin, plus the syringes, and then everything else that comes with,” Moralas said.
The timing couldn’t have been worse.
“That was an extra expense and just having all of that at one time plus starting a new job I was like ‘oh my god you’ve got to be kidding me,’” she said.
And Moralas, who is both a patient and volunteer at Community Rx Help isn’t alone.
KFF data shows that almost half of U.S. adults say it’s difficult to afford healthcare.
Lila Clay, the Executive Director for Community RX Help, a nonprofit that provides free medication access for the community, said the service is crucial.
“It’s very important. People are looking at their electric bills and their medication bottles and they’re trying to decide which one they’re going to pay,” Clay said.
Since programs like the enhanced Affordable Care Act subsidies expired in January, the situation has gotten worse.
In 2025, the nonprofit spent nearly $1.9 million on medications across four East Texas counties.
Medications can range from $10 to over $12,000.
Clay recalled a story, that explains how important their program is for the community.
“She said to me, ‘I wish I had known about you sooner and maybe my husband wouldn’t have died.’ They couldn’t afford his medication, so they skipped,” Clay said.
Community RX Help offers two programs: one for one-time costs through local pharmacies, and another that covers medication free for up to 12 months.
The organization will soon be able to expand with Texas’ new RX Care program, allowing them to be representatives of the program and reach more people.
Community RX Help has been in the community for 25 years.
Clay and her team will be traveling to Austin on May 21 to become a certified resource through the state’s new RX Care program.
To raise more funds, the non-profit is also hosting a fundraiser in August to help keep their program going, and highlight medical professionals in the community.
Their East Texas Medical Awards event will be held Saturday, August 1 at the Fredonia Hotel. For more information you can check out this link.
They say they are also always looking for volunteers, or for more people to help.
You can call their number or show up in person during business hours.
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