NEW MEXICO MEDBANK PROGRAM

The bridge to brighter days ahead

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Help for those who cannot afford their prescription medications

WHO IS ELIGIBLE? The New Mexico MEDBANK Program can assist people of any age who live in New Mexico who do not have prescription drug coverage, or have used up their benefit. Each drug company has its own guidelines for eligibility, but usually require that the patient be low to middle income, need medications to treat long-term conditions, have no insurance to pay for the drugs, and are not eligible for, nor enrolled in other types of assistance programs.

For MEDBANK to assist you, we also need the cooperation of your doctor or other medical prescriber to sign forms, write prescriptions, and usually to receive the drugs to give to you.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST? Medicine obtained through New Mexico MEDBANK is either free or requires a small co-pay, depending on the drug company.

WHAT MEDICATIONS ARE AVAILABLE? Only brand name prescription medications can be obtained through the drug companies’ assistance programs, but not all brand name medications are available. Click here to see a list of medications currently available through MEDBANK.

Patient assistance programs do not assist with generic medications, injectable drugs (except insulin), test strips, needles, nicotine patches, some narcotics, or vitamins. The prescription drug program, however, may be able to help you find other sources to help you pay for these medications.

HOW DOES THE PROGRAM WORK? Information you and your doctor provide will be entered into a secure, computerized system which is compliant with federal privacy laws. Applications will be produced for the drugs you need. You and your doctor will sign the forms, attach prescriptions when required, and return them to New Mexico MEDBANK. MEDBANK then mails the applications to the drug companies along with any required supporting documents.

A 90-day supply of medications usually is shipped to your doctor’s office for you to pick up. Refill applications are simple if you make sure to notify NM MEDBANK when you receive your medications.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE? It may take as long as 2-8 weeks for you to get your first supply of medications.

WHAT DO I HAVE TO DO? You will have to provide information that is required by the drug companies, including your address, phone number, and information about your income, assets, insurance, medical conditions, etc. You will have to furnish proof of household income (tax return, Social Security award letter, pay stubs, etc.). Your doctor will be asked to supply additional information and a list of your medications including dosage, frequency, and diagnosis.

WHAT ABOUT MY PRIVACY? This is a lot of personal information. We ask for it because drug companies require most or all of this information before they'll provide the medications for you. NM MEDBANK respects your privacy and will keep your information confidential. Information is stored and transmitted using systems like those banks use to assure data security.

HOW DO I SIGN UP? If your doctor or clinic is a MEDBANK site, then their office staff will help you. If not, call Harold Melnick at the New Mexico Aging and Long-Term Services Department, 866-451-2901 (476-4772 in Santa Fe) for information; or email a MEDBANK representative at MEDBANK.

HOW DOES MY DOCTOR SIGN UP? New Mexico MEDBANK is an Internet-based program available free to doctors, clinics, hospitals, and other groups wanting to assist people who have difficulty paying for their medications. Ask them to call Juanita Thorne-Connerty or Harold Melnick at 866-451-2901 for information about becoming a MEDBANK site.

For more information about the MEDBANK program, call Harold Melnick at the New Mexico Aging and Long-Term Services Department, 866-451-2901 (476-4772 in Santa Fe) or email a MEDBANK representative at MEDBANK.