Medicine Access
Poverty and poor-health are intertwined, and often our medically underserved neighbors have complex health conditions that can be treated with necessary lifestyle changes and access to medication. But medicines are expensive, dosing information is complicated, and many patients find it difficult to purchase and use their medications properly. The Primary Care Coalition administers several collaborative programs designed to provide access to medication services and prescription drug information for community members experiencing vulnerability.
Community Pharmacy
The Community Pharmacy provides essential generic medications to Montgomery Cares patients directly in the clinics. Not only is providing medication at the end of an office visit more convenient for patients, it increases access to prescription medications and improves patient outcomes through medication compliance. The Community Pharmacy has provided medication and diabetic testing supplies to tens of thousands of patients at Montgomery Cares primary care clinics. The Community Pharmacy includes 38 generic medications in nine medication classes, and uses a pre-packaged unit-of-use distribution system.
Marisol’s Story
When Marisol was diagnosed with leukemia, doctors told her she needed to begin treatment immediately. Through the coordinated services of Montgomery Cares,
Project Access, and MedBank Marisol was able to get the treatment and medication she needed.
Marisol experienced all the terrible symptoms caused by cancer. Through it all, Marisol maintained a positive attitude. With the exception of her loving fiancee, Marisol's family lived far away, but her health care team made her feel supported and important. The help from the program coordinators at the Primary Care Coalition showed her that the community is strong and united in caring for vulnerable populations.
Sadly, Marisol passed in December 3, 2017. We are proud to have helped Marisol meet her health care needs and prolong her life to enjoy it with those she cared about.
MedBank
The Primary Care Coalition operates the Montgomery County MedBank which provides access to the pharmaceutical industry’s patient-assistance programs (PAPs) for free brand medications. Many pharmaceutical companies offer patient assistance programs for people who cannot afford their medications, but the requirements of the different pharmaceutical companies and the details of the PAPs are constantly changing. The PCC’s Medbank staff help patients with eligibility, enrollment, paperwork, follow up, and the medication refill process.
Marisol (right) with MedBank Client Services Lead Nilsa Benavides (left).