By Alane Masui and Liz Madison, Vitals contributors
During an emergency department visit—with his wife, Donna, of nearly 40 years by his side—John Jones learned the extreme pain in his abdomen was cancer.
Once they processed the news of John’s prostate cancer diagnosis, the two focused on finding the right treatment. After undergoing rounds of radiation and infusion chemotherapy, the care teams at Sutter Health in Santa Rosa recommended John undergo oral chemotherapy—taken by mouth at home. The recommended drug regimen for John was one pill, four times a day. However, one month of treatment could cost $20,000. The copay was estimated to be $3,500 each month.
The Jones’ situation is not uncommon. High-cost, out-of-pocket expenses for oral chemotherapy can be a financial burden to patients. In fact, studies show that about one in three Americans on Medicare will forgo treatment if they cannot afford to fill their prescription for cancer drugs.
That is why the pharmacy team at Sutter Health set up a unique program to help patients navigate through this challenge.
Panathda “Vicky” Bayrasy, an advanced practice pharmacist specializing in oncology, arranged for the Joneses to meet with Jessica Vastine-Corbit, a pharmacy technician and medication management navigator. She and other pharmacy financial navigators explore various ways to help cover the cost of the medication. They identify patient assistance programs—such as foundation grants, savings cards and manufacturer discounts—to help patients cover out-of-pocket costs.
After Donna told Vastine-Corbit they decided to forgo treatment and contact the local funeral home, she implored them not to make that phone call.
“Jessica said she was going to take care of this for us, and she did,” Donna said. “She called me back the next day to let us know she was working on it. Then she called to let us know she sent in the financial information. She kept us in the loop.”
After many calls to advocate on the Joneses behalf, Vastine-Corbit finally confirmed the copay was fully covered.
“When she called to tell us we actually did qualify to have the drug covered, I honestly think she was as excited as we were,” Donna said. “I cried I was so happy—and not just about the money—but because to have someone come alongside you, help you and truly care when you are going through the toughest time of your life is unexpected and amazing.”
John added, “Jessica was astute enough to know, ‘I looked at the qualifications and they meet it.’ It’s good to have somebody who takes that weight off of you.”
“My husband’s cancer is not curable,” Donna said. “However, because Jessica cared enough to go to bat for us, we will have more time together.”
Donna and John Jones celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary in September 2024.
In September, John and Donna celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary with a big party hosted by their two children, Alex and Allison. As a surprise for his father, Alex transformed a room in their home to create an indoor woodworking creative space. When John wants to work with his 3D printer or laser cutter to build toys for his six grandchildren, he can simply walk a short distance from the bedroom to the room next door.
Vastine-Corbit says she feels rewarded by her work and knows it can make a meaningful difference for patients and their families.
“It is an awesome feeling to be able to help people and give them a sense of hope,” she said. “I am so appreciative that I am given the opportunity to do the work that I do.”
