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OES > Services > A Guide to Prescription Drug Assistance in Maine

A Guide to Prescription Drug Assistance in Maine - March 2007

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Introduction
 

Section 1 - Programs and Benefits

Military Retiree Benefits

Veterans Benefits


Section 2 - Agency Contacts


Section 3 - Consumer Tips

Introduction

Many seniors and younger adults with disabilities need prescription medication to stay healthy. However, the high cost of these helpful life-saving drugs makes it hard for people, especially those with limited or fixed incomes, to afford them.

This booklet is a guide for older people and adults with disabilities who need help paying for prescription drugs. In addition to information about programs in Maine, other resources such as consumer buying tips and where to get help in your community are included.

If you have questions about paying for prescription drugs or other health care issues, you can get help from the State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP). This statewide service provides information and assistance with Medicare, supplemental insurance (Medigap), Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage, Medicare Savings Programs, MaineCare and other kinds of health insurance issues. These trained staff will also help with application forms and guide you through the process.

You can talk to a SHIP counselor over the phone, at the office, or in your own home. No fees are charged and all information is kept private. An interpreter will be provided if you need one. To get in touch with a SHIP counselor, call your local Area Agency on Aging at 1-877-353-3771 or the Legal Services for the Elderly Helpline at 1-800-750-5353 (Voice and TTY).

The Office of Elder Services promotes the highest level of independence for people who are older and adults with disabilities. If you don't find what you need in this guide, call us at 1-800-262-2232 (TTY 1-800-606-0215) for assistance.

Section 1 - Programs and Benefits

Medicare

Does Medicare Cover Prescription Drugs?

Medicare is a health insurance program for people age 65 and older, some people with disabilities under age 65 and people with permanent kidney failure. Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) pays for prescription drugs while you are in the hospital. Medicare Part B (medical insurance) pays for prescription drugs in very specific situations. If you have questions about Medicare Part A and Part B benefits, contact your local area agency on aging or Legal Services for the Elderly.

Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage Medicare Part D, provides outpatient prescription drug benefits.

The Medicare Modernization Act of 2003 added outpatient Prescription Drug Coverage effective January 2006. This benefit is voluntary and available to everyone with Medicare. To get Medicare Part D prescription coverage, you must choose and enroll in a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan offered in Maine. Insurance companies and other private companies work with Medicare to offer these plans.

Who Can Join?

Anyone with Medicare Part A and/or Part B can join a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan.

When Can I Join?

You can join when you first get Medicare and during the annual enrollment period, between November 15 th and December 31 st each year. You may also be eligible for enrollment at other times. During the annual enrollment period you can join a plan for the following year or keep the plan you already have. Joining a plan is voluntary but if you don’t join when you are first eligible, you may pay higher monthly premiums unless you already have a drug plan that covers at least as much as a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan.

How Much Does It Cost?

How much you will pay depends on the plan that you choose. The monthly premium is set by the company offering the plan. Plans can also charge a yearly deductible. You will also pay a part of the cost of each prescription, called the co-payment or coinsurance. Depending on your drug costs, you may reach a coverage gap and/or the catastrophic benefit.

Is There Help For People With Limited-income And Resources?

Yes. If you have limited income and resources (like savings accounts), you may qualify for help with the cost of the monthly premiums, annual deductibles and other out-of-pocket expenses.

If you have MaineCare (including Medicare Savings Programs) you will be automatically eligible for the extra help. You will not have a monthly premium or annual deductible, and you will not have a coverage gap.

What If I Have MaineCare Or Low Cost Drugs For The Elderly And Disabled Program ( DEL)?

Medicare will provide most of your drug coverage. MaineCare will continue to pay for prescription drugs that are not part of Medicare’s coverage (excluded drugs). The Low Cost Drugs for the Elderly and Disabled Program may provide Wrap Benefits and help reduce some of your Medicare Part D costs.

Where Can I Get More Information?

The information above is a very brief overview of the Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage. Following is a list of agencies that can give you more information and help answer your questions:

What are Medicare Advantage Plans?

Medicare Advantage Plans are health plan options that are approved by Medicare and run by private companies. Some Medicare Advantage plans have prescription drug benefits.

There are different types of Medicare Advantage plans and it is important to learn how they work and what they offer before you decide to join. Here are a few facts about joining a Medicare Advantage plan:

  • You must have both Medicare Parts A & B to enroll.
  • You are still in the Medicare Program and get all Medicare covered services.
  • You must still pay the Medicare Part B monthly premium.
  • You do not need to buy a Medigap plan (Medicare supplemental policy).
  • You may be able to get extra benefits such as coverage for vision, hearing and dental services.
  • You may have higher costs to use a health care provider that is not part of the plan’s network.

Check with your local Area Agency on Aging or Legal Services for the Elderly to see if this is an available option in your area.

What About Medicare Supplemental Insurance?

Medicare supplemental insurance policies (also called Medigap plans) that covers some of the costs of prescription drugs are no longer sold or issued.

MAINECARE (Medicaid)

How Do I Find Out If I Am Eligible for MaineCare?

MaineCare (Medicaid) helps eligible low-income persons with their medical costs. If you are eligible for MaineCare, your prescription drugs will be covered except for a small co-payment that you pay the pharmacy for each prescription. People with both MaineCare and Medicare need to enroll in a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan to get most of their prescription drug coverage.

Income limits change each year. The asset limit for an individual is $2,000**; for a couple the limit is $3,000**.

** MaineCare excludes up to $8,000 of savings for an individual and $12,000 for a household of 2 or more, and a 2nd vehicle in certain situations.

To apply, call or visit your local Department of Health and Human Services Regional Office. Your local Area Agency on Aging has MaineCare applications and can help you fill one out.

If your income and assets are slightly over the limits, it is still a good idea to fill out an application. Even if you are not eligible for full MaineCare benefits, you may be eligible for other types of MaineCare assistance:

Medicare Savings Programs

If you have Medicare you may be eligible for MaineCare to pay your Medicare Part B premium, deductibles and coinsurance. For more information call your local Area Agency on Aging at 1-877-353-3771 or Legal Services for the Elderly at 1-800-750-5353 (Voice and TTY).

MaineCare for Children (Cub Care )

Children can receive the medical services they need through MaineCare. Covered services include regular check-ups and immunizations, school and sports physicals, prescription drugs, dental care, vision and hearing testing, hospital visits and more. The cost of MaineCare is based on family size and income. There is no cost for some families. Other families will pay a monthly premium ranging from $5 - $30.

Health Insurance for the Working Disabled

MaineCare has a program that allows people with disabilities to work and have MaineCare benefits. Depending on income, there may be a monthly premium of no more than $20 per month. For more information, call your local Department of Health and Human Services office.

The Eligibility Specialist at the Department of Health and Human Services will help you get any assistance for which you are eligible. You can also call your local Area Agency on Aging or Legal Services for the Elderly to find out more about MaineCare eligibility.

Low Cost Drugs for the Elderly and Disabled

The Low Cost Drug Benefit (DEL) is funded by an appropriation from the State general fund. The program is not federally funded. To provide this program, the state works with drug manufacturers that agree to participate in the rebate program. Coverage of drugs is limited to drugs on the DEL Preferred Drug List (PDL). This is the list of drugs for which the manufacturer has signed rebate agreements with the State.

Eligibility:

  • Maine resident
  • Age 62 and older, or age 19+ and disabled
  • Income at or less than 185% FPL (income limit is 25% higher if at least 40% of yearly income is spent on prescription drugs)

Basic Benefit:

  • The State pays 80% minus $2.00 of generic drugs on the DEL Preferred Drug List
  • The State pays 80% minus $2.00 of the cost of brand-name medications on the DEL Preferred Drug List to treat the following diseases or conditions:
    • ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease)
    • Anticoagulation
    • Arthritis
    • Chronic Lung Disease (including Emphysema and Asthma)
    • Diabetes
    • Glaucoma
    • Heart Disease
    • High Blood Pressure
    • Hyperlipidemia (High Cholesterol)
    • Incontinence
    • Multiple Sclerosis
    • Osteoporosis (Bone Density Loss)
    • Parkinson’s Disease
    • Thyroid Disease

Supplemental Benefit:

The Supplemental benefit includes other drugs not covered in the Basic Benefit. The drugs must be medically necessary and supplied from

participating manufacturers. Actual savings vary from drug to drug. DEL Members pay the State’s negotiated MaineCare rate minus $2.00.

Catastrophic Spending Limit:

After a Member spends $1,000 on eligible prescription drugs, the State pays 80% of the cost of all eligible prescription drugs, regardless of any disease or condition. The drugs must be medically necessary and supplied from companies with agreements with the State. Eligible prescription drugs are only those drugs that were covered by DEL on May 31, 2001. The Catastrophic Spending Limit is tracked from August 1 st each year to July 31 st of the following year.

Note:

  • Some drugs require ‘prior approval’ for coverage.
  • Coverage through DEL is funding of last resort. Members with other prescription drug coverage must use those benefits first.
  • Members with Medicare Part D coverage are eligible for DEL Wrap benefits only.
  • The DEL PDL is posted at http://www.mainecarepdl.org/ External site disclaimer

Maine Rx Plus

Who is eligible for the Maine Rx Plus program?

You are eligible for the Maine Rx Plus program if you live in Maine and meet the income guidelines. There are no age or asset criteria.

What are the income guidelines?

You may also be eligible if your out-of-pocket expenses are more than 5% of your household income; or if your out-of-pocket medical expenses are more than 15% of your household income.

What is the benefit of the Maine Rx Plus Program?

The benefit is a discount on all drugs listed on the MaineCare Preferred Drug List. You cannot get a discount on any drugs that are not on this list.

How much will I save?

You may get discounts of 15% to 60% off the retail prices. The greatest discounts are for generic drugs.

Where do I apply? Who can I call for help with the application?

Apply at the Department of Health and Human Services office nearest you. The Eligibility Specialists at DHHS will help you. You can also get an application and help to fill it out from your local area agency on aging.

DirigoChoice

DirigoChoice is health care coverage for Maine businesses with 50 or fewer employees, the self-employed, and individuals. Enrollees receive discounts on monthly payments and reductions in deductibles and out-of-pocket expenses based on their income and family size. Discounts can be as high as 100%.

Harvard Pilgrim Health Care sells DirigoChoice to small businesses and self-employed individuals.

Coverage Information: 877-213-5225 (Opt. 3)

Community Health Centers

Community health centers provide medical services to people on a sliding fee scale. Locations and telephone numbers. The clinics do not have their own prescription drug program, but they may be able to give you samples of the medication. Most clinics will help you enroll in the patient assistance programs of the drug companies.

Drug Company Patient Assistance Programs

Many drug companies have special programs to help people who cannot afford the cost of their brand name prescription drugs. If it is hard for you to pay for your drugs, ask your doctor for help to get your drugs directly from the drug companies.

These programs vary and many companies do not cover generic drugs.

Who is eligible?

Anyone can apply for this program; you do not have to be older or disabled. Each company has its own requirements. Most companies require that:

  • You have no insurance that covers outpatient prescription drugs;
  • You do not qualify for a government assistance program for prescription drugs, like MaineCare, and
  • Your income must be within certain income limits.

How do I apply?

The application process for each company is different. Usually your doctor completes and sends in the application form.

How will I get my medications?

The drug company will send a supply of the medication to your doctor. Usually it will be a 90-day supply. You will have to pick up the medication at your doctor's office.

How long will I be able to get help?

Most companies do not have time limits and will continue to send you the medications as long as you are eligible for the program. You will need to check with the companies to find out if they have time limits.

Who do I contact for more information?

MedHelp Maine is a non-profit organization established to develop community-based prescription assistance programs managed by hospitals or other organizations. If you are looking for information and help to apply for Patient Assistance Programs, ask your doctor or other health care provider to call MedHelp Maine : 1-888-283-9883 (toll-free) or www.medhelpmaine.org External site disclaimer. Program locations are listed in Section 2 of this booklet.

If you have Medicare and are enrolled in a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan or Medicare Advantage Plan, there are special rules about participating in Patient Assistance Programs. You can learn more from Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) or www.medicare.gov.

Talk to your doctor or contact your local Area Agency on Aging for more information about these programs.

Free Clinics

Free clinics offer free primary care services to people with a low income or who have no insurance or are under-insured. Each clinic has its own eligibility guidelines and may provide prescription medications. Some clinics do not offer services to people who have Medicare. Call the clinics to find out what services are available and if you are eligible. The three largest clinics are:

Biddeford Free Clinic
189 Alfred Street
Biddeford, Maine 04005...207-282-1138

Ellsworth Free Clinic
P.O Box 5104
Ellsworth, Maine 04603.207-667-7953

Portland Street Clinic
103 India Street
Portland, Maine 04101..207-874-8982

HIV/AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP)

Maine residents with HIV/AIDS can get assistance from the State of Maine to get HIV-related medications free of charge. ADAP is a program of the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Maine CDC), HIV/STD Division. To be eligible a person must have a household income of 400% or less of the federal poverty level and meet certain medical requirements.

People with HIV/AIDS who are not able to get all their medications through ADAP should apply directly to the drug companies for their patient assistance programs.

If you are interested in ADAP contact the Maine CDC at (207) 287-2899. You can also contact one of the HIV/AIDS organizations in the state or contact the AIDS Hotline at 1-800-851-2437.

Hospital Programs

Most hospitals have assistance programs for people who have a low income and no health insurance. Services will either be free or have a copayment under a sliding fee scale. If you need help paying for hospital services or outpatient care, ask if you can fill out an application. You may still have to pay for some services, which are not covered under the program.

If medications are prescribed that you cannot afford, these programs will give you samples, when available, and help you enroll in the patient assistance programs of the drug companies.

CarePartners

CarePartners is a network of volunteer physicians, hospitals, and other providers (located in the Greater Kennebec County area, Lincoln County and the Greater Portland area) who agree to provide services to CarePartners enrollees for little or no cost.

For more information or to enroll in the CarePartners Program call: 1-877-883-1797.

Indian Health Services

A wide range of medical, dental, mental health and social services are available to the Penobscot, Passamaquoddy, Maliseet and Micmac peoples. Each group has a clinic where most primary health care services are available. Prescription drugs can also be covered under Indian Health Services programs. However, there are limits to both the medical services and prescription drug coverage. For more information about Indian Health Services in Maine, call the health center for the tribe to which you belong.

Military Retiree Benefits

TRICARE Senior Pharmacy Program

Military retirees, spouses and some former spouses or survivors are eligible for two programs provided by the Department of Defense. TRICARE for Life and the TRICARE Senior Pharmacy Program are open to individuals age 65 and older.

TRICARE for Life will pay after Medicare and pays for Medicare deductibles, copayments and some remaining medical costs.

The Senior Pharmacy Program pays prescription drug benefits for this population. There is no premium charged for this program, but beneficiaries are required to pay varying amounts of deductibles or copayments, depending on where they obtain their medications and whether or not they are generic or brand name.

To be eligible for the Senior Pharmacy Program, you must be a retiree, dependent or survivor who is Medicare eligible. If you turned 65 before April 1, 2001, you are eligible to use the retail and mail order pharmacy benefit without being enrolled in Medicare Part B. If you turned 65 on or after April 1, 2001, you will need to be enrolled in Medicare Part B in order to use the pharmacy benefit.

For more information and complete eligibility requirements for the TRICARE for Life and TRICARE Senior Pharmacy Program, contact Sierra Military Health Services (the Northeast Regional Contractor) toll free at 1-888-999-5195.

Veterans Benefits

Outpatient pharmacy services are provided free to: (1) veterans receiving medication for treatment of service-connected conditions; (2) veterans rated with 50% or more service-connected disability: and (3) veterans whose annual income does not exceed the maximum VA pension. If you are a veteran, call the Veterans Administration (207-623-8411 ext. 5300). You can also get more information from veterans groups such as the AMVETS, VFW or the American Legion.

Nonservice-connected veterans and veterans with a service-connection rated less than 50% receiving medications on an outpatient basis from VA facilities for the treatment of nonservice-connected ailments are charged $8 for each 30-day supply.

CHAMPVA for Life

CHAMPVA for Life (CFL) is a healthcare benefits program for people over the age of 65 who are dependents of veterans, survivors of veterans or survivors of persons who died in the line of duty. CFL covers most healthcare services and supplies that are medically and psychologically necessary. To be eligible for CFL you cannot be eligible for TRICARE/CHAMPUS.

CFL provides an outpatient prescription drug benefit. If you have other insurance that has an outpatient prescription benefit, select any pharmacy and pay for your prescription. CFL will typically pay the co-pay.

If you do not have insurance with an outpatient prescription benefit you have two options:

  • Use Meds by Mail program. Prescription medication is mailed to your home and you pay nothing. This program is designed for your maintenance medication needs. Obtain a registration form from their website www.va.gov/hac External site disclaimer
  • Use a pharmacy that is part of the Medical Matrix Network. You pay your 25% cost share after the deductible is met. To find Medical Matrix pharmacies, go to the Medical Matrix website at www.medicalmatrix.com External site disclaimer or call them at 1-800-880-1377.

For more information and complete eligibility requirements for CFL, contact them at 1-800-733-8387 or hac.inq@med.va.gov (e-mail).

Section 2 - Agency Contacts

Area Agencies on Aging

Aroostook Agency on Aging
(Aroostook County)
33 Davis Street, PO Box 1288
Presque Isle, ME 04769.......... 1-800-439-1789
V/TTY - 207-764-3396
Office Hours: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm, Monday - Friday

Eastern Agency on Aging
(Hancock, Penobscot, Piscataquis and Washington Counties)
450 Essex Street
Bangor, ME 04401-9810.1-800-432-7812
V/TTY - 207-941-2865
Office Hours: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm, Monday - Friday

Senior Spectrum
(Knox, Lincoln, Waldo, Somerset, Sagadahoc and Kennebec Counties, Brunswick and Harpswell)
One Weston Court, PO Box 2589
Augusta, ME 04338-2589.1-800-639-1553
Local - 207-622-9212
TTY - 1-800-464-8703
Office Hours: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm, Monday - Friday

SeniorsPlus
(Androscoggin, Franklin and Oxford Counties)
8 Falcon Road, PO Box 659
Lewiston, ME 04243 - 1-800-427-1241
Local/Out-of-State - 207-795-4010
TTY - 207-795-7232
Office Hours: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm, Monday - Friday

Southern Maine Agency on Aging
(Cumberland and York Counties)
136 U.S. Route 1
Scarborough, ME 04047
1-800-427-7411
Local - 207-396-6500
TTY - 207-883-0532
Office Hours: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm, Monday - Friday

All Area Agencies on Aging can be reached by calling this toll free number: 1-877-ELDERS1 (1-877-353-3771)

Office of Elder Services

442 Civic Center Drive
Augusta, Maine 04333-0011
Toll Free Nationwide - 1-800-262-2232
Local - 207-287-9200
TTY - 800-606-0215

Community Action Programs

Some Community Action Programs have staff and volunteers who are trained to help with filling out applications for prescription drug assistance programs. Call or visit the one near you to find out if this service is available.

Aroostook County Action Program, Inc
444 Main Street, PO Box 1116
Presque Isle, ME 04769
207-764-3721
Toll Free - 1-800-432-7881

Coastal Community Action Program
43 Park Street, PO Box 808
Rockland, Maine 04841
207-596-0361

Coastal Economic Development
39 Andrews Road
Bath, Maine 04530
207-442-7963
Toll Free..1-800-221-2221

Community Concepts
PO Box 278 (Market Square)
South Paris, Maine 04281
207-743-7716 Toll Free.1-800-866-5588

Kennebec Valley Community Action Program
101 Water Street, PO Box 1529
Waterville, Maine 04901
207-873-2122

219 Cony Road, RR#7, Box 1103
Augusta, Maine 04330207-622-4761

26 Mary Street
Skowhegan, Maine 04976
Local/Out-of-State..207-474-8487
Toll Free...1-800-542-8227

Penquis Community Action Program
262 Harlow Street, PO Box 1162
Bangor, Maine 04401
207-973-3500

Peoples Regional Opportunity Program
510 Cumberland Avenue
Portland, Maine 04101
207-874-1140
Toll Free - 1-800-698-4959

Waldo County Committee for Social Action
175 High Street, PO Box 130
Belfast, Maine 04915
207-338-6809
Toll Free - 1-800-498-3025

Washington-Hancock Community Agency
PO Box 280
Corner of Main and Maple Streets
Milbridge, Maine 04658
207-546-7544
Toll Free (9-11AM) - 1-800-828-7544

Western Maine Community Action, Inc.
Church Street, PO Box 200
East Wilton, Maine 04234
207-645-3764

York County Community Action Corporation
11 Cottage Street, PO Box 72
Sanford, Maine 04073
207-324-5762

Community Health Centers

Arthur Jewell Community Health Center
PO Box 159
Brooks, Maine 04921
207-722-3488
FAX - 207-722-3183

Ashland Health Center
PO Box 130
Ashland, Maine 04732
207-435-6341
FAX - 207-435-2003

Belgrade Regional Health Center
2 School Street
Belgrade Lakes, ME 04918
207-495-3323
FAX - 207-495-3353

Bethel Family Health Center
PO Box 1367
Bethel, Maine 04217
207-824-2193
FAX - 207-824-3005
Toll Free - 1-800-287-2292

Bingham Area Health Center
PO Box 746
Bingham, Maine 04920
207-672-4187
FAX - 207-672-3641

Bucksport Regional Health Center
PO Box 447
Bucksport, Maine 04416
207-469-7371
FAX - 207-469-7306
1-800-453-3819

DFD Russell Medical Center
180 Church Hill Road
Leeds, Maine 04263
207-524-3501
FAX - 207-524-2093

Donald Walker Health Center
PO Box 287
Belfast, Maine 04915
207-589-4509
FAX - 207-589-3104

East Grand Health Center
PO Box 44
Danforth, Maine 04424
207-448-2347
FAX - 207-448-2313

Eastport Health Care
30 Boynton Street
Eastport, Maine 04631
207-853-6001
FAX - 207-853-6180
Toll Free...1-800-219-0061

Fish River Rural Health Systems
Eagle Lake
PO Box 309
Eagle Lake, Maine 04739
207-444-5384
FAX - 207-444-5520

Fish River Rural Health Systems
194 E. Main Street
Fort Kent, Maine 04743
207-834-3971
FAX - 207-834-3837

Harrington Family Health Center
PO Box 82
Harrington, Maine 04643
207-483-4502
FAX - 207-483-4778

HealthReach Community Health Center
PO Box 1568
Waterville, Maine 04903
207-873-1127
FAX - 207-873-2059

Indian Township
PO Box 97
Princeton, Maine 04668
207-796-2322
FAX - 207-796-2422

Isleboro Health Center
PO Box 137
Isleboro, Maine 04048
207-734-2213
FAX - 207-734-8392

Kathadin Valley Health Center
PO Box 500
Patten, Maine 04765
207-528-2285
FAX - 207-528-2595

Lovejoy Health Center
7 School Street Suite #1
Albion, Maine 04910
207-437-9388
FAX...207-437-2557

Madison Area Health Center
PO Box 200
Madison, Maine 04950
207-696-3992
FAX - 207-696-3974

Mount Abram Regional Health Center
25 Depot Street
Kingfield, Maine 04947
207-265-4555
FAX - 207-265-5004

Penobscot Indian Health Department
23 Wabanaki Way
Indian Island, Maine 04468
207-827-6101
FAX - 207-827-5022

Pleasant Point Health Center
PO Box 351
Perry, Maine 04667
207-853-0644
FAX - 207-853-6230

Rangeley Region Health Center
PO Box 569
Rangeley, Maine 04970
207-864-3303
FAX - 207-864-2969

Regional Medical Health Center at Lubec
RR #2 Box 380
Lubec, Maine 04652
207-733-5541
FAX - 207-733-2847

Richmond Area Health Center
24 Gardiner Street
Richmond, Maine 04357
207-737-4359
FAX -  207-737-4412

Rural Health Centers of Maine Migrant Health Program
188 Whitten Road
Augusta, Maine 04330
207-622-9252
FAX - 207-626-7612

Sacopee Valley Health Center
70 Main Street
Porter, Maine 04068
207-625-8126
FAX - 207-625-7820

St. Croix Regional Family Health Center
136 Mill Street
Princeton, Maine 04668
207-796-5503
FAX - 207-796-5528

Sheepscot Valley Health Center
PO Box 207
Coopers Mills, Maine 04341
207-549-7581
FAX - 207-549-3439

Stockton Springs Regional Health Center
PO Box 309
Stockton Springs, ME 04981
207-567-4000
FAX - 207-567-4084

Strong Area Health Center
PO Box 189
Strong, Maine 04983
207-684-4010
FAX - 207-684-3368

Western Maine Family Health
80 Main Street
Livermore Falls, ME 04254
207-897-4345
FAX -  207-897-2321

Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Offices

Region I

Biddeford
208 Graham Street
Biddeford, Maine 04005
207-286-2400
Toll Free - 1-800-322-1919
Local/Out-of-State TTY - 1-800-606-0215
Fax - 207-286-2408

Portland
161 Marginal Way
Portland, Maine 04101
207-822-2000
Toll Free - 1-800-482-7520
Local/Out-of-State TTY - 207-822-2146
FAX - 207-822-2310

Sanford
890 Main Street #208
Sanford, Maine 04073
207-490-5400
Toll Free - 1-800-482-0790
Local/Out-of-State TTY - 1-800-606-0215
FAX - 207-490-5463

Region II

Augusta
(Call for street addresses and phone numbers for the program you are trying to reach.)
Augusta, Maine 04333
207-624-8000
Toll Free - 1-800-452-1926
Local/Out-of-State TTY - 1-800-606-0215
FAX -  207-624-8074

Farmington
114 Corn Shop Lane
Farmington, Maine 04938
207-778-8400
Toll Free - 1-800-442-6382
Local/Out-of-State TTY - 1-800-606-0215
FAX - 207-778-8410

Lewiston
200 Main Street
Lewiston, Maine 04240
207-795-4300
Toll Free - 1-800-482-7517
Local/Out-of-State TTY - 1-800-606-0215
FAX - 207-795-4444

Rockland
360 Old County Road
Rockland, Maine 04841
207-596-4200
Toll Free
1-800-432-7802
Local/Out-of-State TTY - 1-800-606-0215
FAX - 207-596-4235

Skowhegan
98 North Avenue, Suite 10
Skowhegan, Maine 04976
207-474-4800
Toll Free - 1-800-452-4602
Local/Out-of-State TTY - 1-800-606-0215
FAX - 207-474-4888

South Paris
243 Main Street, Suite #6
South Paris, Maine 04281
207-744-1215
Toll Free.1-888-593-9775
Local/Out-of-State TTY - 1-800-606-0215
Fax.....207-743-8798

Region III

Bangor
396 Griffin Road
Bangor, Maine 04401
207-561-4100
Toll Free - 1-800-432-7825
Local/Out-of-State TTY - 1-800-606-0215
FAX 207-561-4122

Calais
88A South Street
Calais, Maine 04619-1108
207-454-9000
Toll Free - 1-800-622-1400
Local/Out-of-State TTY - 1-800-606-0215
FAX - 207-454-9012

Caribou
14 Access Highway
Caribou, Maine 04736-9600
207-493-4000
Toll Free1-800-432-7366
Local/Out-of-State TTY - 1-800-606-0215
FAX - 207-493-4001

Dover-Foxcroft
125 Summer Street
Dover-Foxcroft, Maine 04426
207-564-3444
Toll Free.1-800-432-1641
Local/Out-of-State TTY...207-564-0052
FAX - 207-564-0064

Ellsworth
17 Eastward Lane
Ellsworth, Maine 04605
207-667-1600
Toll Free.1-800-432-7823
Local/Out-of-State TTY - 1-800-606-0215
FAX - 207-667-5364

Fort Kent

92 Market Street
Fort Kent, Maine 04743
207-834-7700
Toll Free - 1-800-432-7340
Local/Out-of-State TTY1-800-606-0215
FAX - 207-834-7701

Houlton
11 High Street
Houlton, Maine 04730
207-532-5000
Toll Free - 1-800-432-7338
Local/Out-of-State TTY - 207-532-5001
FAX - 207-532-7995

Machias
13 Prescott Drive
Machias, Maine 04654
207-255-2000
Toll Free - 1-800-432-7846
Local/Out-of-State TTY - 1-800-606-0215
FAX - 207-255-2022

Drug Companies

You can ask your doctor, hospital or health center to help you get free medications from the following list of drug companies. Your health care provider can help you contact other manufacturers not listed here.

3M Pharmaceutical 1-800-328-0255

Abbott Laboratories...1-800-441-4987

Aventis Pharmaceuticals..1-800-221-4025

Bayer 1-800-998-9180

Boehringer Ingelheim 1-800-556-8317

Bristol-Myers Squibb - 1-800-736-0003

Dupont 1-866-824-4747

Dura Pharmaceuticals 1-888-859-8583

Forest Pharmaceuticals 1-800-851-0758

Glaxo Wellcome 1-888-825-5249

Lilly Cares 1-800-545-5979

Merck & Company1-800-994-2111

Novartis Pharmaceuticals....1-800-277-2254

Parke-Davis.1-800-438-1985

Pfizer ...1-800-438-1985

Roche Labs....1-800-285-4484

SmithKline Beecham....1-888-493-6756

Takeda Pharmaceuticals 1-877-825-3327

Wyeth 1-800-568-9938

HIV/AIDS Service Organizations

AIDS Lodging House
PO Box 3820
Portland, Maine 04104
207-773-7165

Coastal AIDS Network
PO Box 956
Belfast, Maine 04915
207-338-1427

Downeast AIDS Network
25 A Pine Street
Ellsworth, Maine 04605
207-667-3506
Toll Free.1-800-669-0893

5A Water Street
Machias, Maine 04654
207-255-5849
Toll Free 1-888-991-7400

Eastern Maine AIDS Network
370 Harlow Street
P.O. Box 2038
Bangor, Maine 04401
Phone: 207-990-3626

Frannie Peabody Center
335 Valley Street
P.O. Box 4419
Portland, Maine 04102..207-774-6877

Saint Mary's Regional Health Center
2 Campus Avenue
P.O. Box 291
Lewiston, Maine 04240
207-777-8507

Indian Health Services

Penobscot Indian Health Services
Local/Out-of-State.207-827-6101
Toll Free..1-800-736-6226

Maliseet Health Center..207-532-2240
Toll Free...1-800-640-2266

Micmac Family Clinic....207-764-7219
Toll Free.1-800-750-1972

Pleasant Point Health Center
Local/Out-of-State...207-853-0711

Indian Township Health Center
Local/Out-of-State...207-796-2321

Internet Resources

Access to Benefits Coalition
www.accesstobenefits.org External site disclaimer

Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
www.medicare.gov External site disclaimer

CHAMPVA for Life
www.va.gov/hac External site disclaimer

DirigoChoice
www.dirigohealth.maine.gov External site disclaimer

Legal Services for the Elderly
www.mainelse.org External site disclaimer

Maine Department of Health and Human Services
www.maine.gov/dhhs

NeedyMeds
www.needymeds.com External site disclaimer

Northeast Region TRICARE Contractor
www.tricare.osd.mil External site disclaimer

Office of Elder Services
www.maine.gov/dhhs/oes

Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association
www.phrma.org External site disclaimer

Social Security Administration
www.socialsecurity.gov External site disclaimer

Veterans Administration
www.va.gov External site disclaimer

Legal Services for the Elderly

Legal Services for the Elderly (LSE) provides free legal services state-wide to people age 60 and older and Health Insurance counseling to all Medicare beneficiaries. They provide a hotline staffed by attorneys.

For more information call: V/TTY 1-800-750-5353

MEDHELP Maine

If you are looking for information and help to apply for Patient Assistance Programs, ask your doctor or other health care provider to call MedHelp Maine . Upon physician referral, prescription assistance coordinators will help people to apply for Patient Assistance Programs offered by many drug manufacturers. Each has its own eligibility guidelines (rules about income, resources, Part D enrollment, etc.) and application forms.

www.medhelpmaine.org External site disclaimer

1-888-283-9883 (toll-free)

 MedHelp Maine Program Locations

Location

Telephone

Bar Harbor , Mount Desert Hospital

667-5899

Bridgton , Bridgton Hospital

647-6048

Brunswick , Oasis Health Network

(Limited to medical staff members of Mid Coast Hospital and Parkview Adventist Medical Center)

721-9277

 

Caribou , Cary Medical Center

498-1245

Ellsworth , Maine Coast Memorial Hospital

664-5631

Houlton , Houlton Regional Hospital

532-2900 X639

Rockland , Knox County Clinic

(for all Knox County)

594-6994

Sanford , H. D. Goodall Hospital

490-7483

Skowhegan , Redington-Fairview General Hospital

474-8329

York , York Hospital c/o Community Health Connection (for York, Kittery, Wells, other surrounding towns and nearby NH)

438-9167

 

Veterans Services

Togus Patient Advocate
Veterans Administration Center and Hospital
Augusta, Maine 04330
207-623-8411 - (Ext. 5300)

For more information, call or write:


Division of Veterans Services
Camp Keyes
#117 State House Station
Augusta, Maine 04333
207-626-4464
Toll Free.1-800-345-0116

Section 3 - Consumer Tips

Consumer Buying Tips

When you fill a prescription, remember

If you have a low income you may be eligible for savings through the Low Cost Drugs for the Elderly and Disabled (DEL) program. Call your Area Agency on Aging at 1-877-353-3771 for help to apply for prescription drug assistance.

Always ask about generics.

Ask your doctor for samples.

Before you fill your prescription: Tell the pharmacist if you have drug coverage through private insurance.
Ask the pharmacist:

  • How much it will cost?
  • Does the Low Cost Drugs for the Elderly and Disabled apply?
  • Are there generics?
  • Are there any senior discounts?

There can be a big difference in the price of medications. It's good to shop around and compare prices at different pharmacies.

If you "shop around" for the best price, be sure the pharmacist knows all the drugs you are taking, including over-the-counter ones.

If you find a lower price, talk to your regular pharmacist. They may be willing to match the price offered by another pharmacy.

It is OK to get less than the full prescription. You may want to see how well the drug works or check for allergic reactions before investing in a large order. Or, you may not be able to afford to buy the whole amount at one time. Ask your physician for a four or five day supply, or tell the pharmacist how much you want. Pharmacists can give you less of the medication than what is requested in the prescription.

Ask if there is a less costly way to fill the prescription. Sometimes the cost of a 40 mg, 20 mg, or 10 mg tablet is exactly the same. The pharmacist may be able to help you save by, for example, cutting a 40 mg tablet in half for the consumer who has a 20 mg dose.

If you are a Veteran, be sure to contact the Veterans Administration to see if you can get your prescriptions through the VA.

Medicare-eligible military retirees who are enrolled in TRICARE Senior Pharmacy Program will have prescriptions costs covered by the program. However, you will be responsible for an annual deductible and cost share.

Understanding Your Prescriptions

Adapted from Talking With Your Doctor: A Guide For Older People. National Institute on Aging/National Institutes of Health. September 2000.

When your doctor writes you a prescription, it is important that you are able to read and understand the directions for taking the medication. Often doctors or pharmacists use abbreviations that may not be familiar. The following are a list of some of these abbreviations and what they mean.

a.c.before mealsp.o.by mouth
b.i.d.twice a dayp.r.nas needed
eaeachq.d.every day
h.s.at bedtimeq.i.d.four times a day
p.c.after mealst.i.d.three times a day

Remember to ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about your medications or how you should take them.

Some questions to ask include:

  • What is the name of the medicine, and why am I taking it?
  • What are the common side effects for this medication?
  • How long will it take to work?
  • How will I know if this medicine is working?
  • What should I do if I miss a dose?
  • Are there foods, other drugs (including over-the-counter medications), or activities I should avoid while taking this medicine?
  • When should I take it? Should I take it with, before or after meals?

Focus on Medications: helpful Hints

Adapted and reprinted with permission from the Northeast Health Care Quality Foundation (Medicare Quality Improvement Organization).

  • Do you or a family member have trouble seeing, reading or understanding how to take medication? Here are some tips that might help.
  • To start, read the label. It will tell you when and how to take it, how to store it, and what side effects to look for (such as drowsiness).
  • Keep your medication in its original container, remove the cotton from the top of a pill bottle as it may hold moisture and keep the cap on. The container is made to protect your medicine, but should not be stored near a window or left in a car for long periods of time. Some medications are very sensitive to light, heat and moisture which may cause them to be ineffective.
  • Keep a list of all your medications with the time of dose and kind of pill. Give copies to your doctors, a family member, also keep a copy in your pocketbook or wallet, and at home.
  • Carry a card in your wallet that lists the names of any medications you are allergic to.
  • Marking the top of each bottle with a colored dot can help you recognize different medications and/or different times to take medications. Weekly or daily pill planners are also useful.
  • Shoeboxes are ideal for keeping your pill bottles together in one place. It's an easy way for you to take your medications with you when you go to the doctor.
  • Because some medicines should not be taken together, make sure all your doctors know about all of your medications, including over-the-counter medications.
  • Review your medications with your doctor once a year. Check for duplications, proper doses, medications you no longer need, and outdated medications.
  • Don't stop taking a medication for any length of time without consulting your doctor.
  • If the pills look different when you get a refill, ask the pharmacist why. You can help prevent a medication error.
  • Let your doctor know if you have any questions or are having problems with a medication (side effects or allergic reaction) or remembering how or when to take a medication.
  • Don't share your medications or take medications prescribed to others.
  • Never take medications from a package with signs of tampering, damage or imperfections.
  • All medications should be kept out of the reach of children and animals.

Medication Record

It's a good idea to keep a list of all the medicines you take. Use this chart and include both prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs like Tylenol, aspirin and vitamins. Keep the chart current by erasing or crossing out the ones you no longer take. Be sure to mark any changes in the amount you take and the times of day you take it. Download an Adobe PDF version.


Medication Record for:____________________________________

Example
Atenolol June 16, 2007 50mg 2 times/day High Blood Pressure Smith
 
Name of Medicine Date Started Strength/Dosage When Taken Reason for taking Doctor
           
           
           
           
           
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      

 

For more information about this program and other services to help older people in Maine, call:

Office of Elder Services
1-800-262-2232 (toll-free, nationwide)
1-800-606-0215 (TTY toll-free, statewide)
www.maine.gov/dhhs/oes

DHHS

Anti-Discrimination Notice

The Department of Health and Human Services does not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, color, creed, gender, age or national origin in admission to, access to, or operations of its programs, services or activities, or its hiring or employment practices.

(207) 287-3488 voice
(207) 287-4479 TTY

This information is available in alternate formats upon request.

This publication has been created or produced by the Maine Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Elder Services, with financial assistance, in whole or in part, through a grant from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, the federal Medicare agency.