The document analyzes household income and minority population data in Tampa Bay counties to identify potential new locations for MedNet prescription assistance program sites. It finds that Hillsborough and Polk counties have many census tracts with both large minority populations and households earning less than $50,000 annually, meeting key eligibility criteria. The results highlight these and other counties for consideration of expanding the MedNet program, which could help provide access to medications for more low-income and uninsured residents.

1. Household Income and Minority Population Analysis of Tampa Bay for
Future MedNet© Program Sites
Author: William Velasquez, University of South Florida, College of Public Health, Introduction to Geographic Information Systems, Spring 2013
Introduction
According to a recent Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) study approximately one-fifth of
Americans cannot afford the prescription medication prescribed to them (Picchi, 2013). The increasing
number of people not able to afford their prescription medication has become a challenge that not only
affects individuals, but also society. Prescription drug access affects most Americans (even those with
healthcare coverage), with the most vulnerable groups consisting of the medically indigent, minorities, and
the elderly (Reed, 2005). Insufficient access to prescription drugs leads to drug compliance issues and
misuse of the healthcare system which ultimately costs tax payers in unnecessary healthcare costs
(Picchi, 2013).
Problem
In the year 2000 the Health Councils sponsored a regional study that found that the greatest issue impacting
the local health system was limited access to medications (Health Councils, n.d.). In response to the findings
the MedNet© Program was created to address the issue. In 2012 the MedNet© Program was able to obtain
approximately 30,000 medications for patients with an estimated value of approximately $18 million (Health
Councils, n.d.). Such a successful program has raised the question of possible expansion. Currently, 14
MedNet© sites are located in four counties: Pinellas, Polk, Manatee and Hillsborough. This study aims to
locate possible new MedNet© sites by analyzing the income and minority population distribution in
surrounding counties in the Tampa Bay region.
Objectives
 Highlight areas of minority populations
 Highlight areas of lower income populations
 Highlight rates of residents with no health insurance coverage by county
 Identify local free clinics and health department clinics
Methodology
With the aid of GIS, a cross-sectional analysis was conducted of the Tampa Bay area to identify possible new
locations for MedNet© sites. Of the many eligibility requirements an area needs for successful MedNet©
program implementation, this study focused on two requirements: percentage of minorities and low-
income individuals in the general population. A geodatabase was created containing the following
information:
 Number of households earning less than $50,000 per year per census tracts
 Percentage of minority population per census tract
 Insurance status of residents by county
 Address locations of current MedNet© sites and viable healthcare facilities
Medication Company Cost
Lipitor Pfizer $451-$652
Norvasc Pfizer $291-$399
Levemir Flexpen Novo Nordisk $1491
Synthroid Abbvie $65-$129
Nexium AstraZeneca $637-$653
Advair Diskus 250/50 GlaxoSmithKline $424
Results
The results highlight counties where large populations of minority, uninsured, or low-income populations
reside. Each factor plays an important role in determining if a MedNet© site would be viable in that area.
Conclusions
To be eligible for prescription assistance, patients need to be of low-income (usually 200% poverty level),
have no prescription drug coverage, and be in care of a primary care physician (Chisholm & DiPiro, 2002).
The Health Council (n.d.) studies as well as Reed (2005) conclude that minorities are at higher risk for facing
obstacles in obtaining prescriptions. The analysis of the region highlights numerous low-income areas and
areas with large minority populations; however, the Tampa metro area in Hillsborough County and the
Winter Haven area in Polk County contain numerous census tracts that meet both criteria. Feasibility of
creating new sites in these two counties would be much simpler than to the north or south. MedNet
currently operates sites in both counties and can reach out to community partners and local government to
aid in the development. Expanding to the northern counties of Pasco, Hernando, and Citrus, should be a
priority for the MedNet© program, but it must realize that these populations are more homogenous and
that brand recognition might be a problem.
Map (1) shows the rates of the uninsured
population or each county in the Tampa Bay region.
Pasco, Pinellas, and Hillsborough counties have the
highest rates of uninsured residents.
Table (1) shows medication cost for a patient
with multiple conditions. Prices reflect name
brand medication and do not include generic
alternatives. The medications listed are
available for free from prescription assistance
programs (PAPs).
Map (2) highlights the percentage of minority
population per census tract in Tampa Bay. Minority
population density is higher in urban and inland
areas.
Map (3) focuses on the number of households
making less than $50,000 per year. This number
encompasses the majority of income guidelines
limits for most PAPs.
Maps (6) and (7) below. Hillsborough county has
large minority and low-income populations.
Additional MedNet sites would be desirable in the
north central part of the county.
Maps (4) and (5) indicate minority and low-income
population density in rural sections of the county.
Central Polk County does not have a MedNet©
site.
Maps (8) and (9) above and (10) and (11) below. Winter Haven and Tampa Metro contain large minority and
low-income populations. In Winter Haven four area clinics could be potential partners. The Tampa metro
area boasts eight potential clinic partners.
References
 Chisholm, M. A. & DiPiro, J. T. (2002) Pharmaceutical manufacturer assistance programs. Archives of Internal Medicine, 162 (2), 780-784. doi:10.1001/archinte.162.7.780
 Health Councils. (n.d.). Community programs – Community projects. Retrieved from http://healthcouncils.org/html/hc_programs_projects.html
 Picchi, A. (2013, April 9). The high cost of unaffordable prescriptions. MSN Money. Retrieved from http://money.msn.com/now/post.aspx?post=8d2bfc7b-6161-4966-bc04-4969ffeea1a0
 Reed, M. (2005). An update on Americans’ access to prescription drugs. Issue Brief: Findings from Center for Studying Health System Change, 95. Retrieved from http://www.hschange.com/CONTENT/738/
Create MedNet
and clinic location
address tables
Download
state, county and
census tract
shapefiles
Download patient
demographic
tables
Create file
geodatabase
Geocode clinic and
MedNet addresses
to Tampa Bay
polygon
Select Tampa
Bay counties and
export data
Clip Tampa Bay
polygon from
Florida polygon
Geocode
unmatched
addresses
manually
Calculate total
households making
less than $50,000 by
adding a new field
Display income
and minority data
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maps
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