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ME LD2151

ME LD2151
An Act to Improve Access to Affordable Prescription Drugs in Underserved Areas


summary

Introduced
01/07/2026
In Committee
01/07/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead

Introduced Session

132nd Legislature

Bill Summary

This bill directs the Department of Health and Human Services to provide support for federally qualified health centers to develop or expand the centers' capacity to provide access to affordably priced prescription drugs to patients by increasing the centers' ability to deliver pharmacy services to those patients. The bill provides one-time funding of $4,000,000 in fiscal year 2026-27 for that purpose. The bill provides that initial awards of funding must be made by December 15, 2026 and that the selection process must be performed by an evaluation team, the majority of whose members must be persons with training or experience in the operation and management of federally qualified health centers.

AI Summary

This bill directs the Department of Health and Human Services to provide $4,000,000 in one-time funding for fiscal year 2026-27 to support federally qualified health centers (FQHCs), which are community-based health care providers serving rural and underserved areas, in developing or expanding their capacity to offer affordable prescription drugs. This support aims to address the decline in retail pharmacy access in these areas and challenges in obtaining discounted drugs under the federal 340B program. The funding can be used for various purposes, including establishing licensed retail pharmacies, expanding access to drugs purchased through the 340B program, and improving existing pharmacy services or automated systems. FQHCs will need to apply for these funds by submitting a plan and budget, with awards being made by December 15, 2026, by an evaluation team where a majority of members have experience in FQHC operations and management. Any unawarded funds will be placed in a nonlapsing account for future use.

Committee Categories

Health and Social Services

Sponsors (10)

Last Action

Hearing (10:00:00 2/25/2026 Cross Building, Room 220) (on 02/25/2026)

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