This is a plea for Maine state representatives to support bills like the state of Maine’s 131st Maine Legislature L.D. 1793, Directing the Department of Health and Human Services to Contract for Discounted Insulin Manufactured and Distributed by Civica Rx. The bill was voted ought not to pass on March 27 by the Senate and House of Representatives. The failure of this bill is leaving uninsured/underinsured Mainers unable to afford life-saving insulin for their diabetic treatment.
Maine has a cap for out-of-pocket costs of $35 for a 30-day supply for individuals, from Title 32 § 13725. With this Insulin Safety Net Program, some people residing in Maine may not qualify for the assistance and may still have difficulty paying the $35 for the 30-day supply. The long-term success of this program needs to be evaluated due to the costs of manufacturing insulin, which the state of Maine has to pay. Individuals residing in Maine have various obstacles to qualifying for this program. The eligibility requirements are discriminatory in nature and lead to some individuals in Kennebec County not having access to affordable insulin.
If the state of Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) were to enter into a contract with Civica Rx, Civica Rx could develop, produce, and distribute generic inulin to Maine pharmacies at a low cost for Maine. The mission of Civica Rx is exactly what the state of Maine needs: “To reduce and prevent chronic drug shortages in hospitals and the unpredictable price spikes that often accompany them. Its mission is to make quality generic medicines accessible and affordable,” (civicarx.org). This would allow for equal and equitable access to lifesaving insulin for all individuals residing in Maine, allowing all individuals residing in Maine the opportunity to live healthier lives.
Mainers who cannot afford insulin may take risks such as rationing dosages, using expired insulin, completely skipping doses, and skipping meals. This leads to dangerous health consequences for our community members. If you, or someone you love, are having to take these risks, please contact your legislator to support a bill to reduce insulin costs to individuals residing in Maine.
Bridget Davis
Waterville
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