AUGUSTA - A bill proposal sponsored by Rep. Amy Roeder, D-Bangor, that would help patients obtain emergency supplies of drugs to manage chronic medical conditions was approved by the Legislative Council.
The proposal allows pharmacists to dispense an emergency supply of medications for chronic conditions including diabetes, high blood pressure, HIV and more. If a patient is without a prescription or the pharmacist is unable to acquire a health care provider's authorization to refill a prescription, the pharmacist may proceed as long as there is a record that the patient has used the medication previously. The proposal excludes opioids and controlled substances.
During the First Special Session of the 130th Legislature, Sen. Cathy Breen, D-Falmouth, sponsored successful legislation to create the Insulin Safety Net Program, which allows pharmacies to dispense a 30-day supply of insulin to eligible patients in urgent need. Roeders proposed legislation adds additional medications and treatments for chronic medical conditions and holds insurance companies financially responsible for covering the supply.
"People who depend on prescriptions to treat chronic health conditions need the security of knowing they won't find themselves in crisis if they run out of their medications at a time when their doctors aren't available to order an emergency supply," said Roeder. "Additionally, my bill requires insurance companies to cover these emergency supplies, helping to alleviate the financial hardship some of our community members are faced with."
The bill will be heard in January when the 130th Legislature reconvenes.
Roeder is serving her first term in the Maine House of Representatives and represents a portion of Bangor. She serves on the Joint Standing Committee on Labor and Housing.
Contact:
Jackie Merrill [Roeder], c. 812-1111