Primary Adult Care Program

Maryland Medical Programs

Updated
August 31, 2011

Primary Adult Care (PAC) Program

The links marked with are in PDF format. Download Adobe Acrobat Reader for viewing .pdf files

PAC - Primary Adult Care Program

PAC helps stop little problems before they become BIG health problems.

What is PAC?

Beginning July 2006, there will be a new program in Maryland called the Primary Adult Care Program or PAC for short. PAC offers health services to people 19 and over who make limited amounts of money each year.

If you were in the Maryland Pharmacy Assistance Program (MPAP) or the Maryland PrimaryCare Program, you will be in PAC. PAC will replace these programs.

People on PAC will get:

Free visits to a family doctor. Also called a Primary Care Provider or PCP.

Free outpatient visits to a counselor or psychiatrist for mental health services.

Lower-priced or no-cost prescription drugs. You may need to pay a co-pay for some prescriptions. Remember that pharmacists can deny prescriptions if you do not pay the required co-pay.

PAC will cover the hospital bill for medical emergencies. PAC will not cover the emergency physician bill or any other bills for hospital stays. PAC does not pay for any specialists.

PAC will cover all of the services that are covered by the Maryland Family Planning Program except sterilization (tubal ligation).

Who can apply?

You need to be age 19 or over.

You can�t be on Medicare.
You need to meet the income and assets conditions.

For individuals:

If you are an individual applying for PAC, call to see if you meet income guidelines. Your assets can�t be more than $4,000. You will find out more about what an asset is when you fill out your application form.

For families:

If you are a household of more than one person, call to see if you meet income guidelines. Your assets can�t be more than $6,000. You will learn more about what an asset is when you fill out your application form.

How do I apply?

Call toll-free at 1-800-226-2142. Ask for a PAC application form.

Click on Application (above) to print off a PAC application.

Make sure to put your phone number on your form so someone can contact you if they have questions.

Mail in your completed application form to:

PAC Program Application
P.O.Box 386
Baltimore, MD 21203-0386
You will get a letter stating if you qualify for PAC. You have to apply each year to be in PAC.

What happens when I qualify for PAC?

First you will receive a member ID card in the mail. You will also get an enrollment packet. The packet explains how to pick a Managed Care Organization or MCO.
You need to pick an MCO. If you don�t pick one, an MCO will be assigned to you.
You need to pick a Primary Care Provider (PCP) who is part of that MCO. If you don�t pick one, a PCP will be assigned to you.

If I don't qualify for PAC, are there other resources?

There are low cost primary care and specialty care services available. Click
Guide to Health Services for Low Income Adults and Guide to Specialty Services for Low Income Adults.

I have a letter saying that I was being changed from PAC to Medical Assistance for Families, but I want to stay in PAC. What should I do?

Medical Assistance for Families offers more health benefits than PAC; however, you can remain in the PAC program if you would like. Please contact the PAC office at 1-800-226-2142 and request to be put back into the PAC program and have your Medical Assistance for Families case be closed.