Medbank of Maryland, Inc.

May, 2000

Medbank of Maryland, Inc. is now open and accepting referrals. It is funded by a grant from the Maryland Health Care Foundation to provide access to free medications for low income, underinsured chronically ill patients. It will also assist patients in identifying access to health care programs and benefits in the Central Maryland Area. All chronic diseases take their toll on patients financially, particularly those on fixed incomes and the elderly, the unemployed, and the mentally ill.

A physician or other health care professional must make all referrals to the program. A summary of the referral process follows:

* A physician, clinic, or hospital calls Medbank with a referral

* Medbank will fax a referral form

* Prescriptions will be screened for available programs

* Patients will be contacted for required information

* Patient will be sent application for signature when applicable

* Physician will receive a completed package for signatures

* Medbank will forward to pharmaceutical companies

* Medications are shipped directly to physicians office for pick up by patient (Most pharmaceutical companies provide 90 days medications at a time)

* Medbank will handle renewals of applications so there will be no interruption in patient's medications

Medbank will be happy to provide anyone with a supply of referral forms. As the health care professional identifies an appropriate patient, they can complete a referral and fax it directly to Medbank. As soon as it is received, we will begin to identify the programs available for each medication.

If we can answer any additional questions about Medbank and its function, please give us a call.

Sincerely,

Mary Anne Cooney, LCSW-C

Director

7400 York Road, suite 105 Towson, MD 21204

telephone  410-821-9262    fax  410-821-9265   http://www.medbankmd.org