AUGUSTA - The Legislature's Health Coverage, Insurance and Financial Services Committee has rescheduled the public hearing for Senate President Troy Jackson and House Speaker Ryan Fecteaus COVID-19 Patient Bill of Rights for 11 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 23. The public hearing will be streamed through the HCIFS Committees Youtube Channel here.
"Over the past ten months, Maine people have shown extraordinary resilience, going to great lengths to keep their families and loved ones safe amid a global pandemic. It hasn't been easy," said President Jackson. "The COVID-19 Patient Bill of Rights will help Maine people breathe a little easier knowing they can access the screening, testing and vaccinations they need to keep their family and loved ones safe. It will bring us closer to a world where grandparents can play with their grandkids again and we can all hug our loved ones. It's about getting Maine closer to health and economic recovery."
The proposal LD 1, An Act to Establish a COVID-19 Patient Bill of Rights would ensure more Mainers have access to COVID-19 testing, screening and vaccination at no cost by filling gaps in existing programs and requiring state-regulated health insurance companies to cover these services. The measure also would prevent providers from charging unnecessary fees for these services. The bill also will expand access to telehealth services and reduce frequent trips to the pharmacy during a state of emergency by allowing physicians to prescribe medication over a longer period of time.
"As we all work together to rebuild Maine, our first priority has to be our recovery from COVID-19, both for our people and our economy," said Speaker Fecteau. "These common sense changes to Maine law are desperately needed given what we've learned responding to COVID-19. We cannot have cost be a barrier to testing or vaccination. The importance of requiring insurance companies to cover immunizations for COVID-19 is critical. Getting Mainers vaccinated is the best way to put an end to COVID-19's hold on our state, our lives and our economy."
Although uninsured Mainers should be able to access testing and vaccination at no cost, the amended proposal includes language to ensure that if an uninsured Mainer is at a testing site that doesnt have a contract with the Department of Health and Human Services:
- they are made aware of the cost ahead of time;
- they are made aware of alternative sites where they can get tested for free;
- and they are provided with the MaineCare waiver to get reimbursed for testing if they choose to get tested at a site without a DHHS contract.
Committees will not be receiving testimony at the State House complex at this time and will be conducting all meetings electronically. To provide oral testimony, sign up no later than 30 minutes prior to the posted start time of the meeting at Committee Testimony Submission and Signing Up To Testify Live. Registrations received after that time will be accepted at the discretion of the committee chairs. Committee meetings may be heard at www.mainelegislature.org or viewed at YouTube Maine State Legislature.
Persons with special needs wishing to participate in a Legislative hearing who require accommodations should notify the Legislative Information Office as soon as possible: 207-287-1692, FAX 207-287-1580, email.
Contact:
Christine Kirby (Jackson), 294-2468
Jenna Howard (Fecteau), 214-3185