(b) There is a Maryland Medbank Program.

(c) The purpose of the Program is to improve the health status of individuals throughout the State who lack prescription drug coverage by providing access to medically necessary prescription drugs through patient assistance programs sponsored by pharmaceutical drug manufacturers.

(d) (1) Subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, the Program shall be administered by the Medbank of Maryland, Inc.

(2) The Medbank of Maryland, Inc. shall contract with one or more government or nonprofit entities to operate the Program.

(e) (1) The Program shall be funded through a grant provided by the Department.

(2) Program funds may be used in part to:

(i) Purchase interim supplies of prescription drugs for enrollees who have applied to participate in a manufacturer’s patient assistance program but have not yet received the approved prescription drug; and

(ii) Distribute medication to enrollees who have been approved to participate in a manufacturer’s patient assistance program.

(f) (1) The Medbank of Maryland, Inc. shall ensure that the Program is available to residents in each of the following geographic regions of the State:

(i) Western Maryland;

(ii) The Eastern Shore;

(iii) The Baltimore metropolitan area;

(iv) The Maryland counties in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area; and

(v) Southern Maryland, including Anne Arundel County.

(2) Medbank of Maryland, Inc. shall be the central coordinating office for the State.

(g) Eligibility for the Program shall be limited only by the criteria established by pharmaceutical manufacturers for their patient assistance programs.

(h) (1) The Department shall require detailed financial reports at least quarterly from Medbank of Maryland, Inc.

(2) The Medbank of Maryland, Inc. shall release funds to the entities that operate the Program as needed and justified by the quarterly reports filed in accordance with paragraph (1) of this subsection.