Betances Health Center

Home | Site map | Contacts

Paul Ramos (1941-2000)

Who was he?
Was a staunch advocate of affordable health care and social justice. As founder and Executive Director of Betances Health Center, Paul worked tirelessly on behalf of the people of the Lower East Side - and beyond - to meet the desperate need for accessible quality health care and social services. Paul founded Betances in 1970, and initially ran the agency out of a makeshift office above a pickle factory, delivering health services from a mobile medical unit. Largely through Paul's determination and hard work, Betances found a permanent home on Henry Street in the Lower East Side, one of New York City's most diverse immigrant communities, where it has become one of the leading comprehensive primary care facilities serving poor and low income community members. Paul guided Betances' accomplishments and status as an early provider of "culturally competent, holistic" care long before the terms became buzzwords over the center's four decade history. Over the center's three decade history, many came to see Paul as a modern day incarnation of the agency's namesake, Ramon Emeterio Betances, a 19th century Puerto Rican physician and poet known as the "Father of the Poor", who received a medical degree in Europe and then returned to Puerto Rico to found a hospital, defend the island against a cholera epidemic, and fight against slavery.

Visit Us:

280 Henry Street

New York, NY 10002

Tel: 212-227-8401

Fax: 212-227-8842

Any Other Info

------------------------------------------------

340B Discount Prescription Program

In 1992, Section 340B of the Public Health Service Act was enacted. Section 340B requires drug manufacturers to provide outpatient drugs to entities like Betances Health Center at a reduced price. In combination with our partnering pharmacy, Madison Drugs, these savings of about 40% on brand name drugs are passed on to Betances’ patients who are eligible.

Am I eligible?

Yes! If you receive care at Betances Health Center and are Uninsured, Underinsured or have Child Health Plus A or Medicare Part D insurance.

What do I have to do?

Just bring your prescription to Madison Drugs (located next door) or ask your doctor to submit your prescription to the pharmacy. Stop by the pharmacy, pay the discounted amount, and leave with your medication (just as you normally do). You can get refills there too.

What if I already have health insurance? (Such as private insurance, Family Health Plus or Child Health Plus B?

If your drug is not covered by your insurance or you have not yet met your deductible, you may save money through the 340B program.

Are there additional benefits of the 340B Program and Madison Drugs?

Every patient who participates in the 340B Program will receive free telephone re-fill reminders, free health education materials for people with diabetes and hypertension, and free delivery of medication within the 10002 zip code.

If I have any questions, where can I get more information?

If you have any questions you can speak with your primary care provider at Betances Health Center during your next visit.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Content on this page requires a newer version of Adobe Flash Player.