AUGUSTA - The Maine House and Senate voted unanimously on Wednesday to advance legislation sponsored by Rep. Kelly Noonan Murphy, D-Scarborough, that would increase access to electric breast pumps for MaineCare recipients.
As amended, LD 603 would allow eligible MaineCare recipients to obtain electric breast pumps and supplies when they are prescribed or recommended by a health care provider without needing prior approval from MaineCare.
"This legislation will eliminate unnecessary barriers for mothers on MaineCare who want to breastfeed and need to access electric breast pumps. No new mother should be denied this simply because of their insurance," said Murphy. "Equity is at the heart of this bill, which will help reduce disparities and improve health outcomes for Maine mothers and their children."
The bill faces further votes in the House and Senate.
Murphy, a member of the Education and Cultural Affairs Committee, is serving her first term in the Maine House and represents part of Scarborough.