Sen. Bailey to introduce bill to increase access to mail-order prescription drugs

AUGUSTA — When the 132nd Maine Legislature reconvenes in January, Sen. Bailey will introduce legislation to increase access to prescriptions when mail-order deliveries are late, or the prescriptions arrive in unusable conditions. “An Act Regarding Mail Order Delivery of Prescription Drugs” was approved for introduction in the Legislature’s Second Regular Session by a majority of the Legislative Council in an October 23 meeting.

“Between staffing shortages and a higher number of packages, we know that the mail service all too often experiences delays and interruptions,” said Sen. Bailey. “When they do, I often hear from constituents who are worried about receiving their prescription drugs — some of whom really cannot risk missing even a single dose. With this bill, I hope to alleviate some of that stress and worry, ensuring that Mainers have access to their medications, regardless of whether or not the rest of the mail is on time.”

Mail-order pharmacies, which ship medication to patients’ homes, protect access to prescription drugs for Mainers who cannot pick up prescriptions in person at their local pharmacies, or live in pharmacy deserts. Sen. Bailey’s bill seeks to bolster those protections by ensuring mail-order pharmacy users are guaranteed access to a backup plan should their medications arrive damaged or dangerously late.

According to The Maine Monitor, the number of pharmacies has decreased in 11 of Maine’s 16 counties over the past decade. In York County, between 2013 and 2024, the number decreased from 38 to 33.

New legislation in the Second Regular Session of the Maine Legislature must be approved for introduction by the Legislative Council, which is made up of the Democratic and Republican leaders in the Maine Senate and House of Representatives. Republican leaders voted against approving Sen. Bailey’s bill.

The Legislature is set to reconvene for the Second Regular Session on Wednesday, January 7, 2026.

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