AUGUSTA - Three bills advancing public health, sponsored by Rep. Margaret Craven, D-Lewiston, passed the House and Senate Monday and now await signature by Gov. Janet Mills.
LD 972, as amended, establishes the Rare Disease Advisory Council in Maine. As defined, a rare disease is a disease that affects fewer than 200,000 persons in the United States. The Maine Rare Disease Advisory Council will make it easier for state government to address the barriers that prevent Mainers living with rare diseases from receiving the proper care and treatment for their conditions.
"At the end of the day, this bill is about improving the quality of life for those living with a rare disease," said Craven. "Some families wait years for accurate diagnoses for their loved ones. Others run into barriers that prevent them from receiving treatment or the equipment necessary to carry on with their lives. This is good policy that will better the lives of our fellow Mainers."
If signed into law, this bill will go into effect 90 days after the 130th Legislature adjourns sine die.
LD 665 is a bill to promote better dental care for cancer survivors. As amended, the bill requires health plans to include coverage for dental procedures that are medically necessary prior to beginning cancer treatments or which are the direct or indirect result of cancer treatments.
"Some cancer treatments increase the risk of mouth infections and tooth decay," said Craven. "These can be painful and damaging, resulting in loss of teeth and the ability to eat certain foods, among other consequences. The hopeful outcome of cancer treatments is to extend a person's life expectancy. This bill aims to extend the quality."
If signed into law, this change will apply to health plans beginning in 2024.
LD 85 provides reimbursement under the MaineCare program for pasteurized donor breast milk if a physician, physician assistant or advance practice registered nurse signs that breast milk is medically necessary, similar to writing a prescription for a needed medication. This bill also requires that an infants mother be medically or physically unable to produce enough breast milk for the infant or the infant is physically or medically unable to receive their mothers breast milk or unable to breastfeed. This additional requirement ensures that the MaineCare program reimburses for donor breastmilk for those with a proven need.
"This bill is about equitable access," said Craven. "Currently, donor breastmilk costs roughly $4 per ounce, which is a price that puts it out of reach for many MaineCare families. By ensuring more families have access to donor milk, Maine will see improved long and short-term health outcomes for babies and overall public health for the state. I am grateful to see this bill pass the House and Senate and receive funding from the Appropriations Committee."
If signed into law, the Maine Department of Health and Human Service must prepare and submit a Medicaid state plan amendment or waiver to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services by January 1, 2023.
Craven is serving her fifth nonconsecutive term in the Maine House and previously served three terms in the Senate. She serves on the Health and Human Services Committee and represents part of Lewiston.
Contact:
Jackie Merrill [Craven], c. 812-1111