The Free Medical Clinic Partners with Welvista to Expand Patient Access to Medications
Columbia, SC — The Free Medical Clinic is proud to announce a new partnership with Welvista, a nonprofit organization that provides life-changing access to medications and healthcare for underserved communities. This collaboration will significantly enhance access to prescription medications for eligible patients by leveraging Welvista’s Medication Assistance Pharmacy (MAP).
Welvista’s MAP program provides free prescription medications to uninsured patients throughout the state. Enrollment is quick and easy, and once approved, patients receive a 90-day supply of medications delivered directly to their preferred address, eliminating the need for frequent pharmacy visits and reducing transportation barriers.
As part of this transition, The Free Medical Clinic’s on-site pharmacy will become a non-dispensing pharmacy on June 1, 2025. All eligible patients will be enrolled in Welvista’s MAP to ensure a smooth continuation of care. Clinic staff are actively supporting patients through the enrollment process. For patients who do not qualify for Welvista, outside prescriptions can still be written or sent to a pharmacy of their choice upon request. Unhoused patients enrolled in the program will have their medications delivered to The Free Medical Clinic for pickup. Please note that, in accordance with policies set by both organizations, controlled substances will not be prescribed or dispensed.
“The Free Medical Clinic is pleased to announce a new partnership with Welvista to expand access to essential medications for our patients,” said Freddie Strange, Executive Director of The Free Medical Clinic. “Through Welvista’s comprehensive formulary and direct-to-patient delivery model, this collaboration enhances convenience and reduces costs for those we serve. By streamlining medication access, the clinic can further focus on addressing broader patient needs and connecting individuals with critical support services beyond healthcare.”
To align with Welvista’s eligibility guidelines, The Free Medical Clinic will raise its income threshold to 300% of the Federal Poverty Level, effective June 1, 2025. For example, a single-person household earning up to $46,950 per year—and without active health insurance, Medicaid, or Medicare—will now qualify for services.
This strategic partnership reflects our ongoing commitment to delivering accessible, patientcentered care and improving health outcomes for the communities we serve.