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MONTGOMERY COUNTY, MD (February 11, 2009) - Nonprofit safety-net health care provider Mobile Medical Care, Inc. (MobileMed), and CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield (CareFirst) have teamed to help bring medical care to more than 7,000 Montgomery County residents that are uninsured, homeless, working poor and/or unemployed. Among the patients served by MobileMed are approximately 1,500 preschool children attending programs at more than 50 Head Start sites throughout the county. CareFirst has contributed $25,000 towards helping the organization pursue its mission of providing "free or low-cost medical care... delivered in a respectful, competent, and compassionate manner to those in need."

"Groups like MobileMed that take health care directly to those in need are critically important to communities around the state," said Maria Harris Tildon, CareFirst Senior Vice President of Public Policy and Community Affairs. "In tough economic times the services they provide become even more crucial. We know this contribution will directly benefit families and children through Montgomery County."

MobileMed provides free or low-cost medical care to more of uninsured residents than any other Montgomery County safety-net clinic. High-quality health care is provided at 23 clinics throughout the county, some of which are housed in three fully-equipped mobile medical units. Patients receive treatment and preventive care for various conditions, including cardiovascular disease, asthma, diabetes and cancer. MobileMed relies on the tireless work of its volunteer health professionals and staff to deliver quality medical care with respect and compassion.

"More than 100,000 persons in Montgomery County cannot afford to obtain medical care. MobileMed and other Montgomery County clinics have thus far been able to meet less than 15 percent of those in need," said Patricia Baptiste, President of Mobile Medical Care. "But through community partnerships with organizations such as CareFirst, we are increasing our number of volunteers and expanding our scope of primary and specialty services. Much more must be done and we will continue to do our best to help our most vulnerable and isolated neighbors receive the vital care they deserve."

In its 72nd year of service, CareFirst, an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, is a not-for-profit health care organization which, through its affiliates and subsidiaries, offers a comprehensive portfolio of health insurance products and administrative services to 3.3 million individuals and groups in Maryland, the District of Columbia and Northern Virginia. Through its CareFirst Commitment initiative and other public mission activities, CareFirst supports efforts to increase the accessibility, affordability, safety and quality of health care throughout its market areas.

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