Committee backs bill requiring network pharmacies to dispense short emergency supplies when mail‑order deliveries fail The committee approved LD 2005 as amended, directing pharmacy benefits managers to allow network pharmacies to dispense up to a seven‑day supply (or the smallest pre‑packaged dose) when a mail‑order prescription is delayed or arrives unusable, and to ensure patients are charged no more than one copayment for the same drug. Industry suggested shortening the window to three days; committee adopted the seven‑day language.

Maine's committee just approved a bill to protect patients by ensuring they can get emergency supplies from local pharmacies when mail orders fail!

Click to read more!

#ME #MainePharmacies #HealthcareAccess #CitizenPortal #PrescriptionReform #PatientProtection

Small‑store pharmacy carve‑out proposed for tobacco sales; grocers and pharmacists warn of rural closures, health advocates object Sen. Chip Curry’s LD 2134 would allow a narrow exception for small groceries (under 26,000 sq ft) with independently leased pharmacies to continue tobacco sales if established before July 7, 2025. Grocery and independent pharmacy groups said the change preserves rural pharmacy access; public‑health groups urged targeted investments instead of a statutory carve‑out.

A new bill in Maine could allow small grocery stores to continue selling tobacco products, but will it compromise public health for rural pharmacy survival?

Click to read more!

#ME #MainePharmacies #PublicHealth #RuralAccess #CitizenPortal #TobaccoPolicy