Bill > LD1687

This bill aims to improve access to HIV prevention medications by making several key changes to existing laws. The legislation clarifies that each long-acting injectable HIV prevention drug with a different duration is considered a separate method of administration, which means insurance carriers must potentially cover multiple versions of injectable drugs. The bill expands the role of pharmacists by allowing them to prescribe, dispense, and administer HIV prevention drugs, including both oral and injectable medications. Importantly, pharmacists will be able to bill insurance carriers directly and receive payment at the same rate as physicians, and the MaineCare program (Maine's Medicaid program) will be required to reimburse pharmacists for these services by January 1, 2027. The bill also stipulates that insurance carriers cannot impose more restrictive requirements on pharmacists than state law allows and must treat pharmacists' HIV prevention drug services equivalent to those provided by physicians. Additionally, the legislation requires the Department of Health and Human Services to apply for any necessary federal waivers to implement these changes, ensuring that the expanded pharmacist services can be fully integrated into the state's healthcare system.

Health and Social Services

https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/display_ps.asp?LD=1687&snum=132