Medicare Part D Bill Summaries

LD 1959, "An Act To Guarantee Access to Medically Necessary Medications during the Implementation of the Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Program"
Sponsored by Senator Michael Brennan

Summary
This bill directs the Department of Health and Human Services to report the legislative committee on Health and Human Services regarding the implementation of the Medicare Part D prescription drug program in Maine.
The reports must include a comprehensive analysis of the status of participants enrolled in the program, including the number of inquiries received by the department from persons needing assistance in enrolling in Medicare Part D, an analysis of the status of people who were unable to access necessary prescription drugs through the program and other information quantifying problems encountered by persons and, to the extent possible, pharmacies and other entities distributing needed medications during the implementation of the Medicare Part D prescription drug program.
The bill also directs the Department of Health and Human Services to establish a Medicare Part D emergency fund to be used to continue coverage of drugs currently provided through MaineCare or the elderly low-cost drug program that are not covered by Medicare Part D plans.

Co-sponsors
Representative PINGREE of North Haven
Representative BRAUTIGAM of Falmouth
Senator BRYANT of Oxford
Representative BRYANT of Windham
Representative CUMMINGS of Portland
Senator DAMON of Hancock
President EDMONDS of Cumberland
Senator MAYO of Sagadahoc
Representative PERRY of Calais
Speaker RICHARDSON of Brunswick
Senator ROTUNDO of Androscoggin

LD 1848, "An Act To Maintain Prescription Drug Benefits for Senior Citizens and People with Disabilities"
Sponsored by Representative Hannah Pingree

Summary
This bill requires the Department of Health and Human Services to maintain the level of benefits and copayment requirements and structure in effect on December 30, 2005 for enrollees in the MaineCare and the elderly low-cost drug programs who are enrolled in the MediCare Part D program. This bill applies retroactively to January 1, 2006.

Co-sponsors:
Representative ASH of Belfast
Senator BRYANT of Oxford
Representative BRYANT of Windham
Representative CAMPBELL of Newfield
Representative CUMMINGS of Portland
Representative GROSE of Woolwich
Representative HARLOW of Portland
Representative SCHATZ of Blue Hill