In the 2004 Virginia legislative session, the General Assembly appropriated $50,000 each year of the biennium to assist patients diagnosed with active TB disease purchase medications required to treat their TB. These funds are intended for use with patients who do not have insurance, and/or who do not have sufficient income or other financial resources to cover the costs of TB medications. The funds may be used to finance co-payments for medications purchased at retail pharmacies or the patient's share of costs for TB medications that are obtained through the local health department.
In addition, the 2005 General Assembly appropriated $40,000 to purchase medications and supplies for individuals with drug-resistant TB who require treatment with more expensive second-line drugs.
Procedures for reimbursement of local health departments who have patients eligible for the program are attached.
Questions?
Please telephone Margaret (Peg) Tipple, MD, Director, or Jane Moore, RN, MHSA, Nurse Consultant, at 804-864-7906.