Maine Implements Program Discounts Prescription Drugs, Some OTC Treatments

About 200,000 Mainers will be eligible to save up to 25% on prescription drug costs under a program now scheduled to begin June 1, Foster's Daily Democrat reports. Under the plan, called the Healthy Maine Prescription Program that received federal approval earlier this year, individuals with gross monthly incomes of $2,148 or less and couples with gross monthly incomes of $2,903 or less will qualify for a drug card that will give them discounts on most prescription drugs and some over the counter products, such as insulin, syringes and blood glucose test strips. However, insurance must be used before claiming any benefits under the Healthy Maine program. The program also includes a second level of benefits for those currently enrolled in the Low Cost Drugs for the Elderly and Disabled Program, or DEL. Through the DEL program, the state covers 80% of all generic drugs and medications for heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, chronic lung disease and other conditions. To be eligible for DEL benefits, a recipient must be at least 62 years old or at least 19 years old and disabled under Social Security standards. The program also has income standards, as singles must earn less than $15,900 annually and couples less than $21,480. However, if recipients spend more than 40% of their incomes on drugs, the income requirements change to $19,875 annually for singles and $26,850 for couples. For those already enrolled in DEL, Healthy Maine Prescription drug cards will replace their current discount card (Williams, Foster's Daily Democrat, 4/15). The Maine program has been the subject of controversy and court cases by the pharmaceutical industry who charges that the program amounts to "price setting." For more information of the program and the issues surrounding it, visit the National Conference of State Legislatures Web site at http://www.ncsl.org/programs/health/health.htm.