With the increasing cost of food, gas, and housing, prescription drugs might be last on your list of things to purchase. Especially during these troublesome economic times, many people have been forced to choose between prescription medications and daily necessities. Have you ever cut your pills in half to make them last longer or skipped a day of medication because you can't afford to buy it as often as it's prescribed? If so, the Medication Assistance Center (MAC) can help.

For more than ten years the Medication Assistance Center, formerly known as the Western Maryland Medbank, has been helping people in Washington County find the medications they need. MAC is a Meritus Health program that helps patients who have a low income and no prescription insurance access free or reduced-cost prescription medications. These medications are usually free, but a few require a small co-pay by the patient.

The center serves residents of Washington County and has recently expanded to serve those who are treated by physicians located in Washington County or at Meritus Medical Center. The service is provided free.

How it Works

When you call MAC you will be asked a series of questions to determine your eligibility for medication assistance. This usually requires a determination of financial need. The staff at MAC orders medications from pharmaceutical manufactures through their Patient Assistance Programs. These medications are provided free of charge from the company. If the medications you need are not covered through these options, MAC also offers its own pharmacy discount card which can provide discounts up to as much as 40% for generic medications.

MAC has greatly simplified the process of accessing patient assistance programs by making everything you need available at one place. After one call to the Medication Assistance Center, you will go through an eligibility screening process and application package. Once your physician signs off on your medications, your prescriptions are sent directly to your doctor every ninety days. When it's time for renewal, the Medication Assistance Center will take care of that too.

If you are admitted to Meritus Medical Center and you qualify for assistance, MAC will get in touch with you regarding how they can help obtain your medications. Usually someone from MAC will visit you while you are in the hospital, but if you are discharged quickly they will follow up with you by phone or mail.

How You Can Help

Since the opening of the Medication Assistance Center in 2000, more than $20 million in medications have been distributed to more than 2,600 patients.

MAC receives limited funding from grants, personal donations, and fundraising. Please consider supporting this valuable program that helps patients by ensuring they can get the medications they need. You can donate to the Medication Assistance Center through the Meritus Healthcare Foundation

For more information or to learn how MAC can help you, please call 301.393.3441.