By: Keri Harjo, Director of Patient Resource Services
At Oklahoma City Indian Clinic (OKCIC), exceptional customer service isn’t just about friendly smiles, it’s about going the extra mile to ensure patients receive the best possible care while minimizing financial burdens. A recent case exemplifies OKCIC’s dedication to both affordability and accessibility, highlighting how teamwork and innovation led to a life-changing outcome for one patient.
Teamwork Reveals $2,000 in Monthly Prescription Costs
When an integrated pharmacist identified a patient as a potential candidate for the BlueCross BlueShield of Oklahoma (BCBSOK) Premium Sponsorship Pilot Program, the benefits team sprang into action. To apply for the program, they needed a detailed breakdown of the patient’s medication costs. That’s when OKCIC’s billing pharmacist stepped in, meticulously compiling a comprehensive report based on both internal and external medication lists. The findings were striking, the patient’s monthly prescription costs at the clinic amounted to approximately $2,000.
Armed with this crucial data, OKCIC’s benefits coordinator successfully advocated for the patient’s enrollment in the BCBSOK Sponsorship Program, securing full coverage of his insurance premiums at no cost to him. Better yet, the patient was able to retain their SoonerCare benefits, ensuring continuity of care without any service disruptions.
How Coverage Makes a Difference in Access & Affordability
With insurance in place, the integrated pharmacist collaborated with the patient’s primary care provider to transition prescriptions from external pharmacies to OKCIC’s in-house pharmacy. Thanks to this coordination, the patient gained access to vital medications, including newly added formulary drugs like Entresto and Farxiga.
The impact was immediate. The patient’s BCBSOK coverage began on February 1, 2025. That same month, his medications were fully covered. With the BCBSOK reimbursement, OKCIC not only offset expenses but also generated a surplus, demonstrating the clear value of coverage.
Raising the Standard of Care
This success story is more than just numbers—it’s a testament to OKCIC’s unwavering commitment to patient-centered care. By streamlining access to life-saving medications and eliminating financial stress, OKCIC is setting a gold standard in health care. Through expert coordination between integrated pharmacists, billing pharmacists, and benefits coordinators, OKCIC continues to prioritize what matters most: improving patient health while maximizing financial relief.
For patients at OKCIC, top-tier customer service isn’t just a courtesy, it’s a life-changing advantage. Need help navigating benefits? Call (405) 948-4900 ext. 705. Insurance and pharmacy benefits vary for each patient.
