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After
Delay, State Launches
Maine Rx Plus Program
Mapping MaineCare Campaign News
Covering Kids and Families Campaign News
Special Bulletin - January 15, 2004
After delaying the scheduled January 1 launch of
Maine Rx Plus, Governor Baldacci announced yesterday
that the program would offer discounts by this weekend.
Maine Rx Plus cards will be sent automatically to
73,000 Mainers who were participating in the old prescription
drug program, Healthy Maine Prescriptions. In phase
I of the program a cardholder can get discounts of
10-25% on brand name drugs, and 60% off the cost of
generics, as long as the drugs are listed as preferred
drugs in the MaineCare program. Phase II, slated for
late 2004, would include more significant discounts.
To take advantage of this program, however, some
people may have to look for a new pharmacy. About
100 pharmacies, including Rite Aid, CVS, Community
Pharmacies, and those at Wal-Mart stores, have decided
not to participate in the Maine Rx Plus Program. These
stores assert that they cannot afford to offer lower
prices to more people, especially when the state is
considering Medicaid cuts that include decreases in
reimbursement. While these drug stores have decided
not to take part in the discount program, 110 pharmacies
statewide, including those at Hannaford and Shaw’s
supermarkets, the Brooks pharmacy chain, and many
independents will accept the Maine Rx Plus cards.
For a complete list of participating pharmacies, go
to: Maine Rx Plus
Pharmacies
Although there may be an initial inconvenience to
consumers, it is important to stress that there are
enough participating pharmacies in the state to get
the discount program going. In the long term, the
success of Maine Rx Plus will have significant impact
on the cost of prescription drugs in Maine. In a best-case
scenario, users of Maine Rx Plus can help to put pressure
on the pharmaceutical industry and those drug stores
that have not agreed to offer discounts.
Although the program launch signals a victory in
the long battle to control prescription drug costs,
the state Attorney General’s office cautions
that there may be further legal challenges to Maine
Rx Plus. If the state can show cost savings, these
challenges may be easier to defeat.
Consumers who apply for MaineCare and are found ineligible
due to high income or assets will automatically checked
for Maine Rx Plus eligibility. Those interested in
applying can call 1-866-796-2463 or 1-800-423-4331.
Applications will be available but have not yet been
printed by the state. When they are printed, enrollment
forms will be available at hospitals, doctor’s
offices and pharmacies. In the meantime, consumers
can complete any standard MaineCare application form.
If using the MaineCare form to apply for Maine Rx
Plus benefits, please make sure to write “MAINE
RX PLUS ONLY” at the top of the form. The old
Healthy Maine Prescriptions application can also be
used until the new applications are available.
Those who have incomes* at or below 350% of poverty
($31,440 for an individual, $42,420 for a couple,
and $64,400 for a family of four) are eligible. The
state estimates that 275,000 residents will be able
to use the discount program.
*Poverty levels are adjusted annually in February
or March of each year.
Mapping MaineCare Campaign News is a publication
of the Mapping MaineCare Campaign, a collaboration
of Legal Services for the Elderly, Maine Equal Justice
Partners, Maine Primary Care Association and the Maine
Department of Human Services. Funding is provided
through a grant from the Maine Health Access Foundation.
Feel free to forward this publication to interested
colleagues. Any comments or suggestions are welcome
and should be directed to Martin Sabol, Director of
Health Care Coverage, Maine Primary Care Association:
207-621-0677 or msabol@mepca.org
Martin Sabol
Director, Health Care Coverage
Maine Primary Care Association
73 Winthrop St.
Augusta, ME 04330
207/621-0677
207/621-0577 (fax)
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