Mental Health Board Prescription Assistance Program

 
8
Mental Health
Behavioral Health
 
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What you need to know

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Formally known as Psychiatric Medications for the Indigent and commonly referred to as the LB 95 Program.

In 1981, Legislative Bill 95 (LB 95) was approved by the Nebraska Unicameral and signed into law. This bill authorized the provision of commonly used medications for the treatment of mental illness and medications used to treat the common side effects of said medications for any indigent person having been committed for inpatient or outpatient mental health treatment.  

A person may be able to receive some medications at low or no cost through a state program to support his or her recovery. Medications are provided through either the Lincoln Regional Center Pharmacy or Norfolk Regional Center Pharmacy, depending on where the participant lives in the state.

 

Eligibility

Who is eligible for this program?

There are three requirements for eligibility:

  1. A Nebraska Mental Health Board commitment inpatient or outpatient commitment
  2. The person must be in active recovery.
  3. The person must be able to show a lack of Medicaid/Medicare or other health insurance. 

What is required every year to maintain eligibility?

A Financial Questionnaire (which can be obtained from the LRC Financial Responsibility Office as well as some provider's offices across the state) must be completed at admission and then annually.


 

Application, Enrollment and Status

How does someone enroll?

The best way is to start at the office or clinic where a person is prescribed medication for the treatment of mental illness. The office staff can fax or mail scripts to Lincoln Regional Center (LRC) Pharmacy or Norfolk Regional Center (NRC) Pharmacy and help submit the paperwork for the Financial Responsibility Office. The paperwork for the Financial Responsibility Office can be obtained by calling (402) 479-5421.

A person or guardian must complete the Affidavit for Outpatient Medication Request Form with signature and notarization, and return it to:

Lincoln Regional Center
Financial Responsibility Office
801 West Prospector Place
Lincoln NE 68522
Fax (402) 742-1153  

The LRC Financial Responsibility Office (402) 479-5421 handles all applications for LB 95 benefits.  A Financial Questionnaire `(which can be obtained from the LRC Financial Responsibility Office as well as some provider's offices across the state) must be completed at admission and then annually. 

Is a new affidavit required if a person changes providers?

Yes, a new affidavit must be sent to the LRC Financial Responsibility Office if a person changes providers. This is necessary for billing and recordkeeping.

How can someone check on the status of LB 95 benefits?

Contact the Lincoln Regional Center Financial Responsibility Office (402) 479-5421.


 

Medication Information

Does LB 95 provide all medications?

No, LB 95 only provides medications prescribed by the participant's treating provider as necessary for his or her mental health treatment. Only medications on the List of available medications are provided.  

Are there certain restrictions with what meds are provided, days supply, and number of refills?

Yes, medications must be on the list of available medications. A maximum of a 30-day supply will be allowed for any medications. Prescriptions are limited to a maximum of 5 refills, with exceptions made for Clozapine. Prescriptions are valid for six months on controlled substances and one year on all others. PLEASE NOTE: Generic Substitution is utilized unless the product is not commercially available as a generic.

Where will the medications come from?

The state is divided into regions, and medications are supplied by the Regional Center that serves the county in which the participant is presently residing.

  • Participants residing in Regions 3 or 5 are serviced by the Lincoln Regional Center Pharmacy.
  • Participants residing in Regions 1, 2, 4, and 6 are serviced by the Norfolk Regional Center Pharmacy.

Here is a list of counties by Region. View pharmacy contacts.

Are medications sent automatically each month?

No. Check with the provider on how refills are handled. Participants are encouraged to keep track of how many days of medication they have left, since refills can take 3-7 days to arrive.

How do the meds arrive?

Medications are sent via UPS from LRC or USPS from NRC to the clinic where active treatment is provided. 

Are LRC and NRC going to provide these medications as long as they are needed?

No, this should be a transitional service, meant to provide psychiatric medications until Medicare/Medicaid or 3rd party benefits are available, at which time medications shall be obtained from the individual's pharmacy of choice. It is the responsibility of the individual or his/her representative to notify the LRC Financial Responsibility Office of a change in benefits.

If an individual does not receive his/her medications from LRC Pharmacy or NRC Pharmacy for 6 months, he or she will be discharged from the program.

Who can be contacted with questions about medication?

Yes, the committee that manages the List of Available Medications meets regularly. The formulary request form can be found here, and submitted via mail or fax to:

Lincoln Regional Center Pharmacy
801 West Prospector Place
Lincoln, NE 68522

Fax (402) 479-5438

Why do some people get all of the psychiatric medications paid for and other receive a bill for some of the cost?

All participants receive a bill at full cost until the Financial Questionnaire is returned and approved. Individuals are responsible for the cost of their medications to their ability to pay based on the Rules and Regulations set by the Nebraska Financial Responsibility Law of 1969.

See details here: http://nebraskalegislature.gov/laws/statutes.php?statute=83-368 and http://nebraskalegislature.gov/laws/statutes.php?statute=83-369.

We do not want to create a financial hardship for anyone and our Financial Responsibility Office is available to answer any questions you might have in regard to this issue. Once an ability to pay has been established, a letter will be sent stating the amount owed per month for that year.  The next time you complete an affidavit in a year the amount may change. 

Is it possible to request something be added to the List of Available Medications?

Yes, the committee that manages the List of Available Medications meets regularly. The formulary request form can be found here, and submitted via mail or fax to:

Lincoln Regional Center Pharmacy
801 West Prospector Place
Lincoln, NE 68522

Fax (402) 479-5438


 

Pharmacy and Provider Information

What information does the provider need to give to the pharmacy?

  1. Complete prescription information (Name, DOB, address, medication, directions, indication, quantity, number of refills, prescriber signature and DEA#)
  2. Where the medication is to be mailed
  3. Pertinent medical information, such as allergies.  A completed health form.
  4. Contact phone number for the clinic and/or prescriber. 

How will the provider know whether to send the scripts to the LRC Pharmacy or NRC Pharmacy?

The state is divided up into regions 1 through 6.
NRC Pharmacy handles LB 95 requests for residents of regions 1, 2, 4, and 6.
LRC Pharmacy handles LB 95 requests for residents of regions 3 and 5.          
View the county list by region.

How does the provider contact the pharmacy?

  • LRC Pharmacy fax (402) 479-5438 or phone (402) 479-5169.
    Mailing address:
    Lincoln Regional Center Pharmacy
    801 West Prospector Place
    Lincoln NE 68522
  • NRC Pharmacy fax (402) 370-3144 or phone (402) 370-3318.
    Mailing address:
    Norfolk Regional Center Pharmacy
    1700 North Victory Road
    PO Box 1209
    Norfolk, NE 68702-1209


 

Additional Resources

 

Lincoln Regional Center Pharmacy
Department of Health & Human Services
Fax Number
(402) 479-5438
Mailing Address
801 West Prospector Place, Lincoln, Nebraska 68522