Public Information Office 210 S. McDonald Street Suite 626 McKinney, Texas 75069 www.collincountytx.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 10, 2007

Collin County expands primary care assistance to residents

(McKinney, TX) -- Collin County has expanded primary care assistance to low income residents. Following a mixed decision by the Collin County Commissioners Court on November 15th, the county has implemented a plan that provides more health care services to persons living at or below the Federal Poverty Level. Several initiatives are part of the expanded program:

Agreement with Primacare

The county entered into an agreement with PrimaCare Medical Centers, also known as PrimaMed Physicians Association. Four PrimaCare facilities operate in Collin County and are located in Frisco, Plano and McKinney. Collin County residents who have an income that is at or below 100 percent of the Federal Poverty Level, who do not have any type of health insurance, including Medicare Medicaid, CHIP’s, or private pay insurance, and who are a current and permanent legal resident of Collin County and the United States may receive treatment from PrimaCare for a $20 co-pay.

This is an agreement that works for PrimaCare Medical Centers and Collin County, but most importantly, the agreement benefits residents who need medical attention. Through this arrangement, walk-in patients can simply complete a registration form, provide a co-pay and receive treatment.

Expansion of the Indigent Health Care Program

Current and permanent legal residents of the United States who are at or below 100 percent of the Federal Poverty Level may now qualify for the Collin County Indigent Health Care Program, depending upon additional financial factors. Previously, qualifying persons were to have an income that did not exceed 50 percent of the Federal Poverty Level in order to qualify. Persons who would like additional information should contact the Collin County Health Care Services Department at 972-548-5500.

Additional Grant Funds Available to Non-Profit Organizations

Collin County has expanded the amount of grant funding available to non-profit organizations. Beginning this year, non-profit groups that provide services to legal residents of Collin County may now share in $400,000. The application process will begin this Spring. Last year, Collin County provided $210,000 to eight non-profit groups.

Prescription Drug Discount Card Program

Residents of Collin County are continuing to benefit from the Prescription Drug Discount Card Program. Through an agreement with the National Association of Counties, the drug card program may be used by any resident. Collin County residents who use the cards have experienced an average 15 percent discount on prescription medications. This is an exceptional program that assists nearly all county residents with no added cost to the county. Collin County residents may obtain the discount cards at any Collin County WIC office or at the Collin County Health Department.

Additional information about the Collin County Health Care Services Department and Collin County Health Care Foundation can be found on the county website at http://www.collincountytx.gov/healthcare_services/index.jsp.

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