Discount Rx program finally launched in Maine

Physicians say more of their patients will be able to afford the drugs they need.

By Tanya Albert, AMNews staff. Feb. 9, 2004.

After two years of court challenges, Maine implemented a plan in January to lower the cost of prescription drugs for many residents.

The state sent Maine Rx Plus cards to about 73,000 people who were part of the state's now-defunct Healthy Maine program, which the federal government stopped in December 2002 because of concerns that it conflicted with federal Medicaid law. The program was open to residents with incomes up to 300% of poverty level.

The new Rx cards entitle residents to a 10% to 25% discount off brand-name drugs and a 60% discount on a range of generic drugs.

The program also will offer discount cards to state residents who make up to 350% of the poverty level, which is more than the minimum required for other state prescription drug aid but often not enough to afford health insurance that covers drugs.

To qualify, individuals who do not have prescription coverage must make $31,440 or less annually, a couple must make $42,420 or less, and a family of four must make $64,400 or less.

Physicians say the program will help patients get the drugs they need. The state estimates that 275,000 residents are eligible for the cards.

"Doctors are as frustrated as patients because they know they are writing prescriptions for patients that will never be picked up," said Maine Medical Assn. Executive Vice President Gordon Smith.

Maine originally adopted a program in 2000 that would have required pharmaceutical companies to offer discounts for residents who do not qualify for Medicaid. The federal government stepped in and stopped the program, and the pharmaceutical industry sued the state.