Mississippi CGT Access Model - MS seeks to transform healthcare for patients living with sickle cell disease (SCD) by improving access to gene therapies. The MS Division of Medicaid (MS DOM) is committed to removing barriers to treatment, improving health outcomes, and leading in patient-centered care. With one of the highest SCD prevalence rates in the nation, MS will use this funding to align with its organization's goal of providing access to quality health coverage for its members. The requested $4,912,944 will provide critical support for patients from 2025 to 2035. Many patients living with SCD face financial and logistical barriers to accessing treatment. MS will allocate funding strategically to address these challenges through five key initiatives: • Travel Support: Many patients must travel long distances for SCD therapy, which presents a financial burden. MS DOM will use funding to expand, not duplicate, nor supplant, services for travel, lodging, and meals for patients and caregivers to encourage successful treatment completion. • Individualized Care Coordination: Gene therapy's complexity requires continuous care coordination. MS will implement a Model Care Coordinator position to guide patients through the treatment process and ensure essential patient advocacy. • Addressing Access Barriers: Access barriers impact treatment completion. MS will implement three Model Community Outreach Specialist positions to screen for and address challenges such as housing insecurity and transportation gaps. By partnering with local organizations and state programs, MS DOM will connect patients to resources to remove obstacles to care. • Childcare Assistance: Gene therapy requires treatment and recovery periods, which can create significant childcare needs. MS DOM wishes to collaborate with the MS Department of Human Services to provide subsidized childcare, ensuring parents can focus on their health without jeopardizing their family’s stability. • Expanding Education and Awareness: Gene therapy is a novel and complicated topic, and awareness levels may vary across the state. MS will partner with the MS Sickle Cell Foundation to provide outreach programs, workshops, and materials to educate various populations on these groundbreaking treatments. MS is uniquely positioned to maximize the impact of this funding due to its experience in Medicaid-driven health interventions and a strong network of healthcare providers, community organizations, and government agencies. This funding will also serve as a foundation for future Medicaid-led precision medicine initiatives.
