Prescription Drugs Expected To Be Central Issue in Maine Elections for U.S. Congress

The issue of prescription drug benefits will "permeate" U.S congressional campaigns in Maine this year, the Portland Press Herald reports. In particular, the debate over prescription drug benefits for seniors and the uninsured will be important in the race for Maine's Senate seat between incumbant U.S. Sen. Susan Collins (R) and former state Sen. Chellie Pingree (D). Pingree is campaigning "on her success in writing Maine's prescription drug law," the Press Herald reports (Weinstein, Portland Press Herald, 3/4). That law would create a program called Maine Rx, under which the state would negotiate discounts with drug companies for the 325,000 state residents who lack drug coverage. If the companies do not offer discounts, the state is permitted to take punitive measures against them, including publicizing the companies' names, forcing doctors to obtain prior authorization from the state before prescribing those companies' medications and implementing price controls. The pharmaceutical industry has challenged the law, and in October 2001, the U.S. Supreme Court delayed the program's implementation, asking the U.S. solicitor general for more information (Kaiser Daily Health Policy Report, 10/10/01). The Press Herald reports that Collins, too, "portrays herself ... as a leader on prescription drug issues." While campaigning, Collins notes she has cosponsored bills that would provide greater drug access for Medicaid beneficiaries and "worked hard" on efforts to devote at least $300 billion over 10 years for a Medicare drug benefit. But the Pingree campaign considers Collins "vulnerable" on the issue of prescription drugs. Pingree has gained support from U.S. Rep. Tom Allen (D-Maine), who "is popular in his district and is likely to win" his election against former state Rep. Steve Joyce (R), who "is not terribly well known." According to U.S. Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), Allen is "viewed in the Congress as an expert on prescription drug benefits." Allen's presence at campaign events for Pingree "reinforces her already well-established reputation on prescription drug matters," the Press Herald reports. However, both Allen and Pingree are expected to face opposition during their campaigns from the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America, an industry group that has a history of supporting Republican candidates (Portland Press Herald, 3/4).