News Release
For Immediate Release: June 18, 2008
Contact Person: Diane Lee, Public Information Officer, 301-334-7730
Garrett County Medbank is Available
Garrett County residents who are chronically ill and require daily medications but do not have prescription coverage through private insurance or Medicaid may qualify for assistance through the Garrett County Medbank Program. To participate in the program, a person must also meet the financial guidelines set by each pharmaceutical company.
Angela Lucas is coordinating this program for local residents through the Garrett County Health Department's Adult Evaluation and Review Services (AERS).
"On behalf of low income, uninsured or underinsured patients we apply to drug manufacturers to obtain medications at no or low cost to the patient," Lucas said. "The drug companies determine final eligibility based on income and asset information provided."
Referrals are accepted from the individual, physician or concerned Agency representative. AERS personnel then visit the applicant to determine eligibility for Medbank, as well as other community programs.
Applicants will be required to submit detailed income and asset information for the household and must supply documentation to Medbank along with prescription information.
The Medbank Coordinator manages the application process, which includes a financial needs questionnaire. When a physician's signature is needed, the application will be forwarded to the physician's office and then mailed to the pharmaceutical company along with the prescription. The total process takes 6-8 weeks.
For more information on this program, persons may call Angela Lucas at 301-334-7742 or 301-895-3113.