Sen. Claxton: “Providing free or low-cost medicine to those with limited means, is one way we can help save people’s lives.”
AUGUSTA — A bill from Sen. Ned Claxton, D-Auburn, LD 1661, “An Act To Create the Drug Donation and Redispensing Program” received unanimous, bipartisan support from the Legislature’s Health Coverage, Insurance and Financial Services Committee on Tuesday. The bill would establish a drug donation and redispensing program to provide medicine to low-income Mainers.
“Providing free or low-cost medicine to those with limited means, is one way we can help save people’s lives,” said Sen. Claxton. “I’m glad that the committee has unanimously supported this common-sense measure that will help our neighbors.”
LD 1661 would establish a drug donation and redispensing program in Maine, through participating pharmacies, for qualified low-income Mainers. Thirty-eight states already have enacted legislation to promote drug return, donation and reuse. In 2016, Wyoming redistributed more than $2.4 million worth of meds. Having unused medication distributed to those with limited needs is one way to reduce the cost of medicines for people who really need help. The state of Iowa spends $1 for every $7 of medication distributed.
The bill faces more votes before the Maine Senate and House.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 14, 2019
Contact: Lisa Haberzettl [Claxton], 251-3548
